Detection device and monitoring system for monitoring animals

Abstract

Detection device (110) for monitoring animals (180), in particular rodents, in an underground sewer shaft (161), comprising - a main unit (116) that can be mounted inside the underground channel shaft (161) with an evaluation unit (115), a power supply (118) and a data transmission unit (9); - a sensor head (110a) arranged at a distance from the main unit (116) and connected to it via a connecting cable (113), with at least one infrared sensor (112); and - a suspension device (121) that connects the main unit (116) to the sensor head (110a), wherein the main unit (116) and the sensor head (110a) are designed such that that when the main unit (116) is attached to an element of the environment in a mounting orientation of the detection device (100), the sensor head (110a) is arranged below the main unit (116) by a gravitational effect, and furthermore, the suspension device (121) is designed in such a way that it enables adjustable positioning of the sensor head (110a) in the mounting orientation of the detection device (100) at a predefinable reference height h above a reference plane of a surroundings of the detection device (110).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of animal monitoring and concerns a detection device and a monitoring system for monitoring animals, in particular rodents, in an underground canal system. State of the art

[0002] Devices for monitoring animals, particularly rodents such as rats, in underground sewer systems are known from the prior art. Systems for controlling such animals are also known. Trap solutions with presence sensors require killing mechanisms and regular maintenance. Pure monitoring systems often integrate multiple sensors in a single shaft device and aggregate data network-wide; however, installation heights and detection areas are often not standardized, and false alarms due to environmental artifacts (heat fluctuations, flow or traffic noise) are not uncommon. Many applications employ continuous level measurements (e.g., ultrasound / radar), which consume energy and can introduce interference into the system.

[0003] For example, patent application DE 10 2022 103 826 A1 describes a device for controlling and / or monitoring target organisms, in particular rodents, which includes, among other things, a detection device and an evaluation device for evaluating detection information generated by the detection device, wherein the evaluation device distinguishes between target organisms to be controlled and / or monitored and those not to be controlled / monitored.

[0004] One problem with conventional animal monitoring devices is that they typically have high energy consumption and / or are complex, prone to failure, and require extensive maintenance. Furthermore, they often do not allow for the unified monitoring of an entire underground sewer system. Therefore, there is a need for an energy-efficient, simple, and reliable system that also optionally enables the monitoring of an entire underground sewer system. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the technical problem of providing a device for monitoring animals and a corresponding monitoring system that are energy-efficient and enable easy-to-implement and reliable, i.e., low-error and low-maintenance monitoring of an underground canal system.

[0006] According to the invention, a detection device and a monitoring system for monitoring animals, in particular rodents such as rats, in an underground canal system, a detection device for detecting animals and a method for monitoring animals are therefore proposed.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a detection device for monitoring animals, particularly rodents such as rats, in an underground sewer shaft is proposed. The detection device comprises a main unit that can be mounted inside the underground sewer shaft. The main unit includes an evaluation unit, a power supply, and a data transmission unit. Furthermore, the detection device comprises a sensor head arranged at a distance from the main unit and connected to the main unit via a connecting cable, and a suspension device. The sensor head has at least one infrared sensor, which may incorporate Fresnel optics. The infrared sensor serves for motion and / or heat radiation detection. Furthermore, one or more additional sensors of the detection device, for example, a level sensor, may be arranged in the sensor head.The level sensor is designed to acquire fill level information from the underground sewer system. The sensor(s) of the sensor head are typically configured to transmit the generated sensor signals to the data transmission unit and / or the evaluation unit of the detection device. Typically, the sensor signals first reach the evaluation unit, where they are further processed and / or evaluated. Subsequently, the processed sensor signals, or the data and / or information derived from them, are forwarded to the data transmission unit.

[0008] The suspension device connects the main unit to the sensor head. The main unit and the sensor head are designed such that, when the main unit is attached to an element in the environment in a given mounting orientation of the detection device, the sensor head is positioned below the main unit by gravity. Furthermore, the suspension device is designed to allow adjustable positioning of the sensor head at a predefinable reference height h above a reference plane in the environment of the detection device, in the given mounting orientation. The reference height h can be set, for example, in the range of 0.1 m to 1.5 m above the ground, with the optimal height depending on the local conditions and the movement patterns of the animals being monitored.The definable reference height h allows for a geometrically standardized detection area for the infrared sensors of the detection devices across multiple manholes, for example, for all manholes in a sewer system. The detection area can be defined, for example, by the reference height h, a Fresnel lens of the infrared sensor with its associated field of view (FOV), and the mounting orientation of the sensor head. The field of view (FOV) of the infrared sensor is the spatial area in which the infrared sensor can detect movements and / or changes in heat radiation. A Fresnel lens can be used for PIR sensors (Passive Infrared Sensor) to divide the detection area into multiple zones. This zoning increases the sensor's sensitivity to movement, as the movement of an object from one zone to another results in a significant change in the detected infrared signal.

[0009] The suspension device can be designed in various ways and may, for example, consist of a cord, rope, cable, wire, chain, tube, and / or rod. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor head is mechanically held by the connecting cable for signal transmission, in which case the suspension device may be formed by the connecting cable itself. Alternatively, the connecting cable and the suspension device can be designed as separate elements. The surrounding element to which the main unit is attached is typically an element of the manhole, such as a side wall, a manhole cover, a rung, or the iron cross of a debris trap. The mounting orientation refers to the intended orientation of the detection device in which the main unit is not mounted upside down.The reference plane of the surroundings can be formed in particular by the bottom of the canal shaft, the so-called berm.

[0010] The adjustable positioning of the sensor head can be achieved, for example, by a scale attached to the suspension device for manually setting the reference height. Alternatively or additionally, electrical control of the reference height h can be provided, for example via a remote control or a mobile device. This makes it particularly easy to position and fix the sensor head at a predefined reference height h above a reference plane such as the bottom of the manhole. Such scaling of the suspension device enables, in particular, a reproducible setting of the reference height h, so that a comparable detection area can be achieved for multiple detection devices in different manholes.

[0011] The infrared sensor, which can be a PIR sensor (Passive Infrared Sensor, also known as a pyroelectric sensor), enables energy-efficient detection of heat radiation from moving objects and is therefore particularly suitable for detecting mammals such as rats within the sensor's detection range. The spaced arrangement of the sensor head below the main unit allows for optimized and precise positioning of the infrared sensor in an area where the monitored animals are typically active, while the more sensitive electronic components of the main unit can remain in a higher, less moisture-exposed area of ​​the duct.

[0012] Preferably, the sensor head has a housing with a density distribution such that, without buoyancy from a liquid like water, the sensor head hangs vertically downwards and, as the liquid level rises, tilts into an inverted orientation due to buoyancy. Such a density distribution of the housing necessitates a corresponding weight and volume distribution. Hanging vertically downwards refers to an orientation in the direction of gravity, where a longitudinal axis of the sensor head runs essentially parallel to the direction of the gravitational force. The inverted orientation describes a position of the sensor head rotated by approximately 120° or more relative to this normal position.

[0013] To achieve the described tilting function, the sensor head housing can be designed such that an upper section is more massive and a lower section is lighter and buoyant. For example, the upper section can have a mass element, such as a metallic insert or a potting compound, while the lower section comprises a sealed hollow volume with low weight. Without buoyancy, the sensor head hangs vertically, with its center of gravity below the suspension point. As the water level rises, a buoyant moment acts on the lower, displacing section, shifting the center of gravity relative to the center of gravity. This buoyant moment causes the sensor head to tilt into an inverted, stable orientation. The resulting tilt angle is preferably at least 120° and preferably about 180°.The asymmetrical mass distribution, with the heavier upper section and the lighter, buoyant lower section, ensures that the sensor head reliably tilts as the water level rises. Mechanical stops and / or dampers can create hysteresis to prevent bouncing caused by waves. The mechanical stops can limit the tilting motion to a defined angular range, while the dampers suppress vibrations of the sensor head caused by waves. This prevents short-term water movements from causing the sensor head to repeatedly tilt back and forth, thus preventing false alarms.

[0014] Preferably, a tilt sensor is arranged in the sensor head, which changes its switching state when tilted into the inverted orientation. The switching state preferably changes from closed to open. The tilt sensor is preferably wired as a normally closed contact, with the normal state being closed and the alarm or fault state being open. It is conceivable that the evaluation unit detects the open state preferably without sensor-side power supply via a high-impedance input bias, so that the backflow and flood sensor path is essentially currentless in the idle state. The normally closed connection is also referred to as a fail-safe configuration, since both an actual alarm state (tilting of the sensor head) and a fault state (line break) lead to an open circuit and are thus detected. The input bias has a resistance value of preferably at least 15 MΩ.In a fail-safe switch, the normal state of the contact is closed. If an alarm condition occurs, for example, due to the sensor head tilting as a result of backflow or flooding, the contact opens. This has the advantage that a break in the circuit is also recognized as an open circuit and thus triggers an alarm. This ensures increased operational reliability. The tilt sensor can be designed, for example, as a mercury switch, a ball tilt switch, or a MEMS inclinometer (MEMS: microelectromechanical system).

[0015] Preferably, the main unit and / or the sensor head includes a microphone, and the evaluation unit is configured such that an acoustic verification is initiated upon detection of movement and / or a change in heat radiation by the infrared sensor. In this process, the evaluation unit analyzes a microphone signal with respect to an ultrasonic frequency band, for example, from 20 kHz upwards, for rat ultrasonic vocalizations (rat UPS). The analysis specifically targets 22 kHz long calls and / or 50 kHz short calls. For the purposes of this invention, UPS refers to ultrasonic vocalizations, with rat UPS typically operating in a frequency range of at least 20 kHz.

[0016] The microphone can be activated for acoustic verification on an event-driven basis as soon as the infrared sensor detects movement and / or a change in heat radiation. Alternatively, the microphone can be permanently activated, in which case only the signal at the specific time of the infrared sensor detection is used for analysis. The 22 kHz long calls are nearly constant, longer-lasting ultrasonic vocalizations typically emitted by rats in stressful situations or when uncomfortable. The 50 kHz short calls, on the other hand, are short, frequency-modulated sequences often associated with positive states or social interaction. Analyzing these characteristic call patterns allows for a reliable differentiation between actual rat activity and other heat sources or movements, significantly reducing the false alarm rate.

[0017] The evaluation unit can be configured to perform event gating with acoustic verification. Upon triggering by the infrared sensor, the evaluation unit activates the microphone for a short recording window Δt, i.e., event-driven. The recording window is preferably 1 to 2 seconds. Within this recording window, the evaluation unit analyzes an ultrasonic frequency band starting at 20 kHz and checks for rat-typical UPS characteristics, in particular 22 kHz long calls and / or 50 kHz short calls. Event gating, as defined in the invention, is a method in which the acoustic analysis is only performed if a triggering event, namely detection by the infrared sensor, has previously occurred. This significantly reduces energy consumption, as the microphone and subsequent signal processing do not need to be continuously active.The length of the recording window Δt is preferably chosen such that, on the one hand, typical ultrasonic vocalizations of rats can be captured, and on the other hand, energy consumption remains limited. A window of 1 to 2 seconds is sufficient to capture both the longer-lasting 22 kHz long calls and sequences of the shorter 50 kHz short calls.

[0018] The detection device is preferably designed to implement a two-stage notification logic with notification stage A and notification stage B. In notification stage A, a verified detection event is confirmed only if a detection by the infrared sensor coincides with a positive UPS characteristic. A verified event has high reliability and is transmitted with a correspondingly high priority. In notification stage B, an indicative event of lower priority can optionally be reported if a detection by the infrared sensor occurs, but no UPS characteristic is detected within the recording window Δt. Such a two-stage notification logic enables differentiated handling of detection events.Verified events of reporting level A typically require immediate attention, while indicative events of reporting level B can serve as indications of possible animal activity that require further observation. The optional reporting of indicative events reduces the risk of false negatives, i.e., actual animal activity that goes undetected. The weighting of verified and indicative events in the shaft classification can be parameterized to allow for adaptation to local conditions.

[0019] To reduce external interference, the evaluation unit preferably implements a frequency whitelist and / or notch filtering. These serve to detect and suppress persistent signals from typical external ultrasonic sensors. A frequency whitelist, as defined in the invention, is a list of frequencies or frequency ranges that are permissible for UPS analysis. Frequencies outside this whitelist are ignored. Notch filtering refers to a band-stop filter that selectively suppresses narrowband interference signals at specific frequencies. Examples of external ultrasonic sensors include ultrasonic level sensors or ultrasonic distance sensors, which can be used in sewer systems to monitor water levels and emit continuous ultrasonic signals.

[0020] The microphone may be equipped with a condensation protection element and / or a heating element. The condensation protection element may, for example, be a protective cap and / or a hydrophobic membrane. The hydrophobic membrane is permeable to sound waves but prevents moisture from entering the microphone. The heating element serves to prevent condensation on or inside the microphone by heating it or to evaporate any condensate that has already formed. Positioning the microphone in the sensor head has the advantage of placing it closer to the animals being monitored, which can increase its sensitivity to ultrasonic vocalizations. Positioning the microphone in the main unit has the advantage of placing it in a less moisture-exposed area of ​​the duct and thus reducing its exposure to environmental stresses.

[0021] The evaluation unit is preferably configured to perform shaft classification. For this purpose, a classification as either passage or occupancy is first derived from event metrics such as event density, event duration, inter-event intervals (time intervals between events), and / or recurrence rate over defined observation windows. The observation windows are, for example, 24 hours and / or 7 days. Based on this classification, the evaluation unit determines a shaft type. One shaft type is the movement shaft, which can also be referred to as a transit or passage shaft. A movement shaft is characterized by sporadic, short-term, and non-recurring activity. Control measures are not indicated for a movement shaft.

[0022] A second shaft type is the habitat shaft, also known as a hotspot shaft. A habitat shaft is characterized by frequent, prolonged, and / or recurring activity. Control measures are indicated for a habitat shaft. The decision regarding the shaft type is recorded as a control indicator and transmitted event-based along with the shaft event data. The control indicator preferably has the states "control not indicated" and "control indicated." Optionally, the control indicator can be structured with multiple priority levels to allow for more granular differentiation.

[0023] It is conceivable that a confirmed detection event is transmitted via the data transmission unit to an external processing unit in an event-based manner and preferably in encrypted form. In this case, the data transmission unit is configured such that, if the acoustic verification is positive, the data transmission unit provides a preferably encrypted signal for transmitting detection information, such as the detection event, to an external processing unit. In this context, a positive acoustic feature coincides temporally with the detection by the infrared sensor. The detection device's focus on a single shaft enables a modular system architecture in which several detection devices according to the invention operate independently of one another and transmit their data to an external processing unit, which acts as a central external evaluation unit.A higher-level analysis, for example to determine movement routes of a rat population across several sewer shafts, can be carried out on the basis of the transmitted data by the external computing unit, although this is not part of one of the detection devices.

[0024] A positive acoustic feature is defined as a signal detected in the ultrasonic frequency band that exhibits characteristic features of rat ultrasonic vocalizations, particularly 22 kHz long calls and / or 50 kHz short calls. Temporal coincidence means that the acoustic feature is detected within a defined time window after infrared sensor detection. Requiring coincidence between infrared sensor detection and a positive acoustic feature enables two-stage verification, significantly increasing the reliability of animal detection. Only when both conditions are met is a verified detection event confirmed and transmitted.

[0025] The evaluation unit and / or the external computing unit are preferably configured to perform shaft classification. For this purpose, a classification of animal transit and / or residence is derived from event metrics such as event density, event duration, inter-event intervals, and / or recurrence rate over defined observation windows. The observation windows are, for example, 24 hours and / or 7 days. Based on this classification, the evaluation unit and / or the external computing unit determines a shaft type. A first shaft type is the movement shaft, which can also be referred to as a transit or passage shaft. A movement shaft is characterized by sporadic, short-term, and non-recurring animal activity. Control measures are typically not indicated for a movement shaft. A second shaft type is the residence shaft, which can also be referred to as a habitat or hotspot shaft.A roosting shaft is characterized by frequent, prolonged, and / or recurring animal activity. Animal control measures are typically indicated for roosting shafts. A decision and / or assessment regarding the shaft type can be coded as a control indicator and / or transmitted by the detection device's evaluation unit, if configured to perform shaft classification, along with the shaft event data, to the external computing unit on an event-driven basis. The control indicator has, for example, two states such as "control not indicated" and "control indicated." Optionally, the control indicator can also be multi-stage with more than two priority levels to allow for finer differentiation. Shaft classification enables the targeted allocation of control resources.By differentiating between movement shafts and dwelling shafts, control measures can be focused on those shafts where rats actually reside and not just pass through. This minimizes the use of active ingredients, reduces the costs of control measures, and increases their effectiveness.

[0026] An inverted position of the sensor head, indicated by an open state of the tilt sensor, can be reported to the external processing unit as an event-driven indication of backflow, flooding, and / or a line fault. If the tilt sensor is configured as a normally open contact, both the tilting of the sensor head due to flooding and a line break result in an open circuit. Both conditions can be interpreted as alarms by the evaluation unit and reported to any external processing unit, thus ensuring fail-safe functionality.

[0027] Preferably, the detection device does not include a capture device for the animals and no killing device for the animals. A capture device within the meaning of the present invention is understood to be a device designed to mechanically restrain, confine, and / or otherwise prevent animals from escaping. Examples of capture devices are cage traps, snap traps with a holding function, or glue traps. A killing device within the meaning of the present invention is understood to be a device designed to kill animals by mechanical, electrical, chemical, and / or other means. Examples of killing devices are snap traps, electric traps, or poison bait stations. By omitting capture and killing devices, the detection device is designed as a pure monitoring system.This eliminates the need for regular maintenance to remove trapped and / or killed animals and to replenish bait. The data obtained through monitoring can be used to implement targeted control measures only where they are actually needed, minimizing the use of active ingredients and increasing the efficiency of pest control.

[0028] Preferably, the detection device is secured within the manhole below its upper end, particularly below a manhole cover, using fastening elements. These fastening elements can be integrated into the detection device, but this is not mandatory. For example, they can be provided separately and work in conjunction with the detection device to secure it. Securing the device below the manhole cover, i.e., in the upper region of the manhole, protects it from flooding and / or damage caused by water that typically collects in the lower part of the manhole. Furthermore, the detection device remains easily accessible for maintenance, as it is located in close proximity to the manhole opening. The fastening elements can be designed, for example, as retaining elements in the form of metal rods, such as galvanized steel rods.In a preferred embodiment, the retaining elements are arranged in a cross shape and designed to be inserted into grooves that a manhole neck of a sewer shaft typically has directly below the manhole cover. These grooves are often provided in sewer shafts for attaching a debris trap and can be used for attaching the detection device.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention, a monitoring system for monitoring animals in an underground canal system is proposed. The animals may be, for example, rodents such as rats. An underground canal system within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a system consisting of one or more typically interconnected canals. A canal system may, for example, be a sewer system. Typically, a canal system includes manholes (also referred to as inspection chambers) that provide access to the canal system from the outside. The monitoring system comprises one or more detection devices according to the invention and an external computing unit, wherein the one or more detection devices each comprise an infrared sensor and a data transmission unit, and preferably a power supply unit, for example, a lithium-ion battery.The infrared sensor is configured to acquire detection information about the animals to be monitored and to transmit it to the data transmission unit of the respective detection device. Typically, sensor signals from the infrared sensor first pass through the evaluation unit of the respective detection device, where they are further processed and / or evaluated. The detection information is then transmitted to the data transmission unit in a suitable form. For the purposes of the present invention, detection information about the animals to be monitored is understood to mean information that includes details regarding the presence of animals to be monitored, i.e., information indicating at least one successful detection (detection event) of an animal to be monitored by the infrared sensor. Preferably, detection information includes details that allow for the determination of the number of animals present.Detection information is transmitted within the detection device from the infrared sensor to the data transmission unit using electrical signals, preferably via cable, and then at least partially wirelessly to the external computing unit.

[0030] The data transmission unit of each detection device is configured to transmit the detection information from its infrared sensor wirelessly, at least partially, to the external processing unit. This unit uses a radio link for at least part of the transmission path and is responsible for evaluating and / or outputting the detection information from one or more detection devices. The data transmission unit may include an antenna for this wireless transmission. In the case of radio-attenuating covers, such as those found in ductwork, an external antenna connection with an optional external antenna may be provided. The infrared sensor and the data transmission unit are typically connected via a cable for signal transmission.The radio link, used in at least partial wireless transmission, is typically established between the data transmission unit and a transmission system that enables the transfer of data to the external processing unit. The transmission system typically includes a gateway and a server and need not be part of the monitoring system itself. It could, for example, be or include a mobile network. The transmission of detection information does not have to be in real time; the detection information can also be transmitted with a delay and / or, for example, temporarily stored outside the detection device before reaching the external processing unit. For instance, the transmission system could include a database for such temporary storage.It is particularly conceivable that the data transmission unit could wirelessly transmit detection information to a hardware server accessible via the internet and temporarily store it in a database there before retrieving it later from the external computing unit. In this case, the internet-accessible hardware server with its database is part of the transmission system.

[0031] The external processing unit is an electronic unit configured to further process the detection information from one or more detection devices. Such further processing by the external processing unit can, for example, include preparing the detection information for output, signal processing, data analysis of the detection information, and / or calculation of the detection information. Output, as defined in the invention, is the forwarding of information to another electronic unit, such as another processing unit, and / or the display of information to a user, for example, via a screen, and typically includes appropriate processing of the information and / or the corresponding data and / or signals, such as signal processing.An evaluation within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, signal processing and / or data analysis and / or data and / or information processing, but can be or comprise any type of signal, data, and / or information processing. The output unit of the monitoring system can be configured to extract the detection information from the signals transmitted to the external processing unit by the detection devices through signal processing. Such signal processing can also take place partially or completely within the sensor electronics of the detection devices, so that the detection device transmits detection information already extracted from the infrared sensor signals to the external processing unit in a suitable format, thereby eliminating the need for the latter to perform any further signal processing (beyond the steps required for signal reception).The external processing unit can, in particular, comprise a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), and / or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array). The external processing unit can be, for example, a PC, a hardware server, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet with appropriate software for evaluating the detection information. In particular, the external processing unit can also consist of geographically separated components, such as a network of multiple PCs. Preferably, the external processing unit is a hardware server that evaluates the detection information and makes the evaluated detection information available to a user via the internet, for example, via a website.

[0032] Advantageously, the infrared sensor can be a PIR sensor (pyroelectric sensor) or include a PIR sensor. Furthermore, one or more detection devices can each include a level sensor, which can be arranged, in particular, in the respective sensor head. A level sensor can, for example, be a conductive, resistive, and / or capacitive level sensor or include such a sensor. The level sensor can also include several conductive, resistive, and / or capacitive level sensors. The level sensor can also be a distance sensor or include a distance sensor configured to determine a distance to a liquid surface in a channel of the channel system and, for example, includes or is an ultrasonic sensor.

[0033] The level sensor is configured to acquire level information from the underground sewer system and transmit it to the data transmission unit of the respective detection device. The data transmission unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the level information from the respective level sensor, at least in sections, to the external processing unit, which is responsible for evaluating and / or outputting the level information from one or more detection devices. The transmission device may include an antenna for the wireless transmission of the level information, at least in sections. This antenna is typically identical to the antenna used for transmitting the detection information.Equivalent to the term "detection information" in the context of the present invention, "level information" refers to information that includes data concerning the fill level of the underground sewer system as determined by the level sensor, i.e., information from which at least one fill level of the sewer system can be derived. Like the detection information, the level information is transmitted within the detection device from the level sensor to the data transmission unit by means of electrical signals, preferably via cables. The aspects disclosed in this document regarding the transmission of detection information to the external processing unit also apply equivalently to level information.By recording fill level information, potential bottlenecks in the underground sewer system, for example, due to structural issues and / or blockages, can be detected, allowing the user of the monitoring system to react appropriately. A further advantage in the case of a sewer system is that the fill level information makes it easier to predict the volume of wastewater to be processed, for example, by a wastewater treatment plant. In particular, recording fill level information, in addition to detection data, allows the utilization of the sewer system, as well as animal populations, to be displayed graphically. With multiple detection devices, a graphical display for both types of information can be provided using a heatmap, for example, in a grid-like representation.These two heatmaps and a map of the underground canal system can also be displayed overlaid. This allows a user of the monitoring system to easily and simultaneously gather relevant information regarding animal populations and fill levels within the underground canal system.

[0034] Preferably, one or more detection devices are each attached to a manhole cover of a sewer shaft of the underground sewer system and / or to the side walls of a sewer shaft of the underground sewer system, and thus typically spaced apart from the floor of the sewer system located below the respective detection device. For attaching a detection device to a manhole cover of a sewer shaft of the underground sewer system and / or to the side walls of a sewer shaft of the underground sewer system, it can, for example, have one or more retaining elements, such as metal rods, preferably galvanized steel rods and / or round metal rods, for example in the form of a cross made of two or more metal rods.Such a cross can be designed so that the corresponding detection device can be suspended in four grooves, typically located directly below the manhole cover, using the metal rods of the cross. These grooves are common in sewer manholes, as they are usually intended for attaching a debris trap, i.e., a basket that retains coarse debris. A detection device of a monitoring system can be attached in this or other ways, for example, such that the main unit of the detection device is located up to one meter, in particular up to 50 cm, and especially up to 20 cm, away from the respective manhole cover, such as a manhole cover (also called a sewer cover).

[0035] Preferably, the external computing unit of the monitoring system can be configured to evaluate the detection information from the one or more detection devices, as evaluated by the external computing unit, in such a way that it can be displayed graphically on a screen. The screen can be, for example, an external screen of the external computing unit, such as a PC acting as the external computing unit. It can also be an internal screen of the external computing unit, such as a smartphone or tablet acting as the external computing unit. In this case, the external computing unit is identical to an end device used by a user of the monitoring system. The screen can also be connected only to the external computing unit, for example, via a network and / or only indirectly, i.e.,One or more additional processing units can be connected between the external processing unit and the screen. This can occur, for example, when the external processing unit, acting as a hardware server, makes the evaluated detection information available to a user via the internet, such as through a website. In this case, the screen used by the user to display the detection information is not part of the external processing unit, but it is connected to it via the internet and is part of a user-generated device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC. The external processing unit can, in particular, include a screen and / or be configured to connect to a screen.

[0036] Preferably, the monitoring system comprises several detection devices according to the invention. Such a plurality of detection devices allows a user to be provided with detection information from multiple locations within a sewer system. It is particularly advantageous if the detection devices are arranged so that they acquire detection information and / or fill level information for non-overlapping areas of the underground sewer system, thus ensuring that the acquired information from the detection devices complements each other. For example, the detection devices can be positioned to cover the underground sewer system in a grid pattern, meaning that the detection devices are placed at regular or at least similar intervals within the sewers and / or cover similar areas of the underground sewer system.A grid-like arrangement of the detection devices can be achieved, for example, by arranging them at the intersections of an imaginary, preferably rectangular, grid (grid-like arrangement). Such a grid-like arrangement, when the underground sewer system essentially follows such a grid pattern, enables optimized acquisition of detection information by ensuring uniform spacing between the individual sensors, thus guaranteeing efficient and comprehensive monitoring of the underground sewer system. It is also conceivable to use a grid-like arrangement of the detection devices only for a portion of a sewer system, for example, because the course of the sewer system deviates too significantly from the grid pattern in other parts of the system.

[0037] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the monitoring system has multiple detection devices and that the external processing unit is configured to evaluate the detection information from a plurality of these devices in such a way that it can be displayed simultaneously on the screen in graphical form, preferably as a grid-based heatmap, for example. Such an evaluation can, for instance, take into account the positions of the detection devices within the duct system; a grid-based heatmap can be used if the detection devices are also arranged in a grid pattern. The evaluation and / or the graphical display can also be performed using a map of the duct system. Such a map can, for example, be overlaid on the heatmap.

[0038] Furthermore, the detection information displayed graphically can also be displayed simultaneously with graphically displayed fill level information from the same detection devices, for example, in the form of another heatmap, which can also be grid-based and overlaid on the heatmap. One goal here can be to provide a user of the monitoring system with the most comprehensive picture possible of the situation in an underground sewer system, enabling them to draw conclusions about which circumstances might have led to certain situations, such as an increased rat infestation.

[0039] It is particularly advantageous if the at least partially wireless transmission of detection information and / or fill level information to the external processing unit is carried out at least partially via a cellular connection and / or an LPWA network (LPWA: Low-power wide-area), especially using the NB-IoT standard (NB-IoT: Narrowband IoT). The NB-IoT standard is particularly advantageous because this wireless standard is extremely energy-efficient. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least partially wireless transmission of detection information and / or fill level information is at least partially authenticated and / or encrypted, for example, using the MQTT and / or UDP (User Datagram Protocol) network protocols.Preferably, the monitoring system can be configured to timestamp the detection information and / or the fill level information from a component of the detection device, for example, the data transmission unit, and / or the external processing unit. Furthermore, the monitoring system can be configured to store the detection information and / or the fill level information in non-volatile memory in a component of the detection device, for example, the data transmission unit, and / or the external processing unit, and / or in a device that is not part of the monitoring system. This storage preferably occurs in conjunction with the storage of additional information for acquiring the detection information and / or fill level information. Such additional information can, for example, be timestamps indicating the time of acquisition.Storage can occur, for example, in a database, which may be accessible via the internet, and / or in a log file. Preferably, the detection devices of a monitoring system are configured to transmit the detection information and / or the fill level information to the evaluation unit and / or to store it in a database only at specific times and / or at specific intervals. Advantages of the invention

[0040] The standardized reference height h of the sensor head ensures a geometrically defined detection area for the infrared sensor across all manholes equipped with detection devices. This allows for a high degree of comparability of the acquired data. The adjustable suspension device enables reproducible setting of the reference height h, ensuring that the infrared sensor's detection area is comparable across multiple detection devices in different manholes. The detection area is defined by the reference height h, the preferably integrated Fresnel optics of the infrared sensor with its associated field of view, and the mounting orientation of the sensor head.

[0041] A significant reduction in false alarms can be achieved by combining infrared sensor detection with acoustic verification. In this case, a verified detection event is only confirmed if both an infrared sensor detection and a positive UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) indicator are present. This logical AND operation ensures that only actual activity by the monitored animals, such as rats, is reported as a verified event.

[0042] The acoustic verification preferably analyzes an ultrasonic frequency band starting at 20 kHz and specifically checks for 22 kHz long calls and 50 kHz short calls, which are characteristic of rats. To further reduce interference, the evaluation unit preferably implements a frequency whitelist and / or notch filtering to detect and suppress persistent signals from other ultrasonic sensors. False alarms in purely infrared sensor-based systems can be triggered, for example, by heat fluctuations, currents, or other moving heat sources. The additional requirement of an acoustic feature reliably filters out such false alarms.

[0043] A gravity and buoyancy tilting mechanism of the sensor head, in conjunction with the tilt sensor (preferably configured as a normally open contact), enables robust detection of problems such as backflow, flooding, and pipe breaks. This detection can be performed without continuous level measurement, significantly reducing energy consumption. The sensor path for backflow and flood detection can be implemented with low or virtually no current in standby mode. Wiring the tilt sensor as a normally open contact provides fail-safe functionality, detecting and reporting both actual alarm conditions and pipe breaks as open circuits. This fail-safe configuration ensures that an alarm is triggered even in the event of a defective connecting cable or other interruption of the signal path.This prevents a defect from going unnoticed and the monitoring function from failing.

[0044] An optional shaft classification system allows for a distinction between shafts used for movement, where treatment is not indicated, and shafts used for habitation, where treatment is indicated. This differentiation focuses control measures, minimizes the use of active ingredients and the number of interventions, and measurably increases the success of the measures. The classification can be based on event metrics such as event density, event duration, event intervals, and recurrence rate, which are evaluated over defined observation windows. A shaft used for movement is characterized by sporadic, short-term, and non-recurring activity, while a shaft used for habitation exhibits frequent, longer-lasting, and / or recurring activity. The decision is recorded as a treatment indicator and transmitted along with the event data.

[0045] The detection device is designed for low maintenance and safety. The main unit is located near the manhole cover, i.e., below the manhole cover of the sewer shaft, and is therefore easily accessible for maintenance. For challenging radio conditions, such as with metallic manhole covers that have high radio attenuation, an external antenna connection can be provided for coupling an external antenna.

[0046] The data transmission unit is preferably designed for NB-IoT and / or LPWAN. Data transmission is preferably event-based, time-stamped, and / or encrypted. NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) is a mobile communication standard specifically designed for transmitting small amounts of data with low energy consumption and high building penetration. LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) generally refers to wireless technologies with a long range and low energy consumption. Event-based transmission means that data is only sent when actual events occur, which reduces energy consumption and network load. Time-stamping enables chronological tracking of events, while encryption ensures the protection of the transmitted data against unauthorized access.

[0047] The evaluation unit can have a deep sleep mode and be woken up via a Wake-on-GPIO interrupt triggered by a rising edge of the tilt sensor (configured as a normally open contact). Outside of confirmed events, no periodic sensor polling occurs. This allows for particularly high energy efficiency of the detection device. GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) refers to a universal digital input / output pin of a microcontroller or processor. Wake-on-GPIO describes a function in which a microcontroller in deep sleep mode is woken up by a signal change at a GPIO pin. Brief description of the drawings

[0048] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description.

[0049] They show: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a detection device in a sewer shaft in vertical section; Fig. 2 a flowchart of the detection, verification and reporting logic of the detection device; Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B Schematic representations of the sensor head in two orientations, namely in a vertical normal position and in an inverted position during flooding; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an exemplary monitoring system according to the invention for monitoring animals, including a detection device according to the invention; and Embodiments of the invention

[0050] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted in individual cases. The figures represent the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

[0051] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a detection device 110 in a manhole 161 in vertical section. The manhole 161 is part of an underground sewer system 160 and has side walls 162 and a manhole cover 150 that closes off the manhole 161 at the top.

[0052] The detection device 110 comprises a main unit 116, which is located below the manhole cover 150 in the upper area of ​​the manhole 161. The main unit 116 is attached to the side walls 162 or to the manhole cover 150 by means of retaining elements 119. The main unit 116 comprises an evaluation unit 115, a power supply 118, and a data transmission unit 9. The data transmission unit 9 can be configured for NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) and / or LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) and transmits data, in particular to an external computing unit, based on events and / or in encrypted form.

[0053] A sensor head 110a is arranged at a distance from the main unit 116 and hangs from the main unit 116 via a connecting cable 113. A suspension device 121 connects the main unit 116 to the sensor head 110a. The suspension device 121 has a scale 122 by means of which the sensor head 110a can be positioned and fixed at a predefinable reference height h above the base of the manhole 161.

[0054] The sensor head 110a has a housing 111 which incorporates a mass element in its upper region and is therefore heavier, while its lower region is lighter and buoyant. An infrared sensor 112 for motion and heat radiation detection is arranged in the sensor head 110a. The infrared sensor 112, together with the reference height h, defines a geometrically normalized detection area, which is Fig. 1 is schematically indicated. In Fig. Figure 1 is shown schematically and purely as an example of an animal 180, for example a rat, in the lower part of the manhole 161, which is located in the detection area of ​​the infrared sensor 112.

[0055] Furthermore, in the example shown, a tilt sensor 114 is arranged in the sensor head 110a. This tilt sensor is wired as a normally open contact and changes its switching state when the sensor head 110a tilts due to a rising water level. The tilt sensor 114 serves to detect backflow, flooding, or pipe faults.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, a microphone 117 is arranged in the sensor head 110a (referred to as variant A). Alternatively, the microphone 117 can also be arranged in the main unit 116 (referred to as variant B; in Fig. (1 marked with 117*). The microphone 117 serves for the acoustic verification of detection events by analyzing ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) of the animals 180 to be monitored, in particular rats. Optionally, the main unit 116 can have an external antenna connection 123 for coupling an external antenna 129. This is particularly advantageous for manhole covers 150 with high radio attenuation, for example, metallic manhole covers, in order to ensure reliable data transmission.

[0057] Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of the detection, verification, and reporting logic of the detection device 110. The flowchart includes two parallel monitoring paths: one path for rodent detection and one path for tipping and fault monitoring.

[0058] In the rodent detection process, the detection device 110 is initially in a standby state with low energy consumption (low-power mode). The evaluation unit 115 continuously monitors whether a detection is made by the infrared sensor 112. If no detection is registered by the infrared sensor 112, the detection device 110 remains in standby mode.

[0059] Upon detection by the infrared sensor 112 (PIR detection), the microphone 117 is activated and a recording window opens. The evaluation unit 115 performs an ultrasonic analysis, analyzing an ultrasonic frequency band starting at 20 kHz. This analysis specifically checks for 22 kHz long calls and / or 50 kHz short calls, which are characteristic of rat ultrasonic vocalizations.

[0060] The system then checks for a positive acoustic feature. If so, the coincidence of infrared sensor detection and a positive acoustic feature is fulfilled, and a rodent detection event is confirmed. The confirmed event is classified as a verified event of alert level A.

[0061] In a subsequent step, the event is classified as either a passage or a lingering presence. Based on this classification, a shaft type—either a movement shaft or a lingering shaft—is determined via observation windows, and a corresponding control indicator 130 is generated. The event data, along with the control indicator 130, is time-stamped and encrypted before being transmitted via NB-IoT or LPWAN. If no positive acoustic signal is detected during the check, the event is either discarded or, optionally, reported as an indicative event of alert level B with a lower priority.

[0062] In the parallel path for tilt and fault monitoring, the state of the tilt sensor 114, which is wired as a normally open contact, is monitored. If the tilt sensor 114 is open, an alarm is triggered and a message regarding flooding or line faults is transmitted on an event-driven basis. Monitoring of the tilt sensor 114 is essentially currentless, via a high-impedance input bias.

[0063] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows schematic representations of the sensor head 110a in two different orientations, illustrating the tilting mechanism for detecting flooding conditions.

[0064] Fig. Figure 3A shows the sensor head 110a in a vertical normal position, as it is in a dry state without buoyancy. The sensor head 110a is suspended from a suspension device 121, which can be designed as a retaining cable with an eyelet. The connecting cable 113 is routed through a cable entry into the housing 111 of the sensor head 110a.

[0065] The housing 111 has an asymmetric density distribution. An upper region of the housing 111 is heavier, for example, due to a mass element 111a in the form of a metal insert or a potting compound. A lower region of the housing 111 is lighter and buoyant, for example, due to a sealed cavity 111b. Because of this density distribution, the center of gravity (CG) of the sensor head 110a lies in the upper region, so that the sensor head 110a hangs vertically in the direction of gravity without any buoyant influence.

[0066] The infrared sensor 112, the microphone 117 (in variant A) and the tilt sensor 114 are arranged in the sensor head 110a. In the vertical normal position according to Fig. 3A means the contact of the tilt sensor 114 is closed, which corresponds to the normal state.

[0067] Fig. Figure 3B shows the sensor head 110a in an inverted position, as occurs during a flooding condition. The water level is in Fig. Figure 3B is shown schematically. Due to the rising water level, a buoyant moment acts on the lower, buoyant area of ​​the housing 111. The center of gravity of buoyancy (CB) is shifted relative to the center of gravity (CG) in such a way that the resulting torque tilts the sensor head 110a into the inverted orientation.

[0068] In the inverted position according to Fig. In 3B, the previously upper, heavier section of the housing 111 is now located at the bottom, while the previously lower, lighter section is now located at the top. The tilting angle is preferably at least 120°, and in the illustrated embodiment approximately 180°.

[0069] When tilted into its inverted orientation, the tilt sensor 114 changes its switching state from closed to open. The evaluation unit 115 interprets the open contact of the tilt sensor 114 as an alarm and reports it as an event-based flood or line fault. Since the tilt sensor 114 is wired as a normally closed contact, a line break is also detected as an open circuit, thus ensuring fail-safe functionality.

[0070] Although in the Fig. 3A and Fig. Not shown in Figure 3B, mechanical stops 127 and / or dampers 124 may be provided to create hysteresis against short-term water movements or wave action. These elements prevent the sensor head 110a from repeatedly tilting back and forth on a turbulent water surface and thus reduce the risk of false alarms.

[0071] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary monitoring system 100 according to the invention for monitoring animals 180, in particular rodents such as rats, in an underground canal system 160, which is also shown in a highly simplified manner, wherein the monitoring system comprises a detection device 110 according to the invention.

[0072] The monitoring system 100 comprises the detection device 110 and an external computing unit 120. The detection device 110 includes a sensor head 110a, spaced apart from the main unit 116, a housing 111, and an infrared sensor 112 (e.g., a PIR sensor) and a level sensor 114 (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor) enclosed by this housing 111. The detection device 110 also contains a data transmission unit 9 for wireless data transmission and a battery 118 for powering the aforementioned components (electrical connections between the battery 118 and the components in Fig. (1 not shown in the drawing). Here, the infrared sensor 112 is configured to acquire detection information, i.e., information relating to the presence of animals 180 to be monitored. The level sensor 114 is configured to acquire level information of the underground canal system 160, i.e., information relating to the fill level of the canal system 160. The infrared sensor 112 and the level sensor 114 are connected to the data transmission unit 9 by cables 113, which serve for wired signal transmission and thus for the transmission of the detection information and the level information between the sensors 112, 114 and the data transmission unit 9.In the example shown, the detection device 110 is attached directly below a manhole cover 150 of a sewer shaft 161 of the underground sewer system 160 with two retaining elements 119, for example metal rods, to side walls 162 of the sewer shaft 161 in order to allow good accessibility in the event of maintenance and to be protected as best as possible from the animals 180 to be monitored and from water in the sewer system 160.

[0073] The data transmission unit 9 is configured to wirelessly transmit the detection information from the locating sensor 112 and the fill level information from the fill level sensor 114, at least in sections, to the external processing unit 120. This transmission of information is in Fig. 1 symbolized by arrows 190 and, as schematically shown, can also be achieved using a transmission system 192 that receives radio signals from the data transmission unit 9 and then forwards them, for example, via the internet to the external computing unit 120. Part of this transmission system 192 can be a server with a database that temporarily stores the data received from the data transmission unit 9 in the database and only makes it available to the external computing unit 120 upon request. The external computing unit 120 is configured to evaluate and output the detection information from the detection devices 110 and, in this example, includes an internal screen 125; that is, the screen 125 is integrated into the same housing as the other components of the external computing unit 120. The external computing unit 120 can be, for example, a tablet or a smartphone.The external computing unit 120 is configured to evaluate the detection and fill level information from the detection device 110 in such a way that it can be displayed graphically on the screen 125. It should be noted that the monitoring system 100 may have additional detection devices (in . Fig.4 (not shown), which, like the detection device 110, send detection information and fill level information to the external computing unit 120 and are preferably positioned so that they can acquire detection information and fill level information for non-overlapping areas of the underground channel system 160. The detection information and fill level information acquired by a plurality of detection devices 110 is preferably displayed by the external computing unit 120 in the form of two superimposed heatmaps 126, these heatmaps 126 being further superimposed with a map 128 of the channel system 160. Other embodiments

[0074] Variant 1. Detection device for monitoring rodents in an underground sewer shaft (161), comprising - a main unit (116) which can be mounted below a manhole cover (150) and includes an evaluation unit (120), a power supply (118) and a data transmission unit (9), - a sensor head (110a) connected to the main unit (116) via a connecting cable (113) with at least one passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor, 112), - and a suspension device (121) with scale (122) for positioning the sensor head (110a) at a predefinable reference height (h) above a sole, wherein (a) the sensor head (110a) has a housing (111) with a weight and volume distribution in which an upper area is more massive and a lower area is lighter and buoyant, so that the sensor head hangs vertically downwards without buoyancy and tilts into an inverted orientation as the water level rises due to buoyancy, (b) a tilt sensor (114) is arranged in the sensor head (110a) which changes its switching state when tilted into the inverted orientation, preferably from closed to open (fail-safe opener), (c) the evaluation unit (120) is configured such that, upon detection of a movement / change in heat radiation by the PIR sensor (112), it initiates an acoustic verification by activating a microphone (117) and analyzing an ultrasonic frequency band from 20 kHz upwards for rat ultrasonic vocalizations (USV), in particular 22 kHz long calls and / or 50 kHz short calls, (d) a rodent detection event is only confirmed and transmitted via the data transmission unit (9) in an event-based and encrypted manner if PIR detection and a positive acoustic feature coincide in time, and / or (e) the detection device does not include a trapping or killing device.

[0075] Variant 2. Detection device according to variant 1, wherein the microphone (117) is arranged in the sensor head (110a).

[0076] Variant 3. Detection device according to variant 1, wherein the microphone (117) is arranged in the main unit (116).

[0077] Variant 4. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 3, wherein the reference height (h) is standardized network-wide to provide a geometrically standardized PIR detection area.

[0078] Variant 5. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 4, wherein the tilt sensor (114) is designed as a mercury switch, ball tilt switch or MEMS inclinometer.

[0079] Variant 6. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 5, wherein the tilt sensor (114) is wired as an opener, so that inverted orientation and / or line interruption is recognizable as an open circuit.

[0080] Variant 7. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 6, wherein the weight / volume distribution is realized by a mass element (111a) in the upper area and a sealed hollow volume (111b) in the lower area, so that in the event of flooding the center of buoyancy (CB) is shifted relative to the center of gravity (CG) in such a way that a stable inverted orientation with a tilt angle of preferably ≥ 120° results, wherein stops / damping (124 / 127) generate a hysteresis against short-term water movements.

[0081] Variant 8. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 7, wherein the evaluation unit (120) evaluates event metrics (event density, event duration, inter-event intervals) over observation windows (in particular 24 h and / or 7 d) and performs a classification into passage or stay.

[0082] Variant 9. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 8, wherein the data transmission unit (9) is configured for NB-IoT and / or LPWAN and transmits time-stamped, encrypted messages on an event-based basis.

[0083] Variant 10. Method for detecting rodents in a sewer shaft (161) with a detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9, comprising: (a) Positioning the sensor head (110a) by means of a suspension device (121) at a reference height (h) above the sole; (b) Detection of a PIR by the PIR sensor (112); (c) Activating the microphone (117) for a recording window Δt (preferably 1-2 s) and analyzing a frequency band from 20 kHz for 22 kHz long calls and / or 50 kHz short calls; (d) Confirmation of a verified rodent detection event only if PIR coincides with a positive acoustic feature; (e) Optional reporting of an indicative event at PIR without UPS coincidence; (f) Classifying the event as a transit or stay based on event duration, density and inter-distances; (g) Transmitting the confirmed, time-stamped message event-based, encrypted via NB-IoT / LPWAN; (h) Detecting a flood / fault situation by inverting the orientation of the sensor head using a tilt sensor (114), whereby an open circuit is considered an alarm; (i) Determining a shaft type as a movement shaft or a dwelling shaft based on the classification and generating a control indicator (130) with the semantic content ‘control not indicated / indicated’.

[0084] Variant 11. Computer program product with program code which, when executed on the evaluation unit (120), performs the procedure according to Variant 10.

[0085] Variant 12. Machine-readable data carrier containing the computer program product according to Variant 11.

[0086] Variant 13. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9, wherein the quiescent current of the backflow / flooding sensor path is ≤ 1 µA, preferably ≤ 200 nA.

[0087] Variant 14. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9 or 13, wherein the evaluation unit (120) has a deep sleep mode and is woken up in an interrupt-controlled manner by an edge change of the normally open switching element (logical "open"), wherein no periodic sensor query takes place outside of confirmed events.

[0088] Variant 15. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9, the evaluation unit (120) implements a frequency whitelist and / or notch filter (125) to suppress permanent ultrasound carriers from foreign sensors.

[0089] Variant 16. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9, wherein a two-stage alarm logic with alarm stage A (verified, PIR+UPS) and alarm stage B (indicative, PIR without UPS) is provided.

[0090] Variant 17. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9, wherein the main unit (116) is arranged near the lid and has an external antenna connection (123) for coupling an external antenna (129).

[0091] Variant 18. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9 or 13 to 17, wherein the input bias (126) of the opener path is ≥ 15 MΩ.

[0092] Variant 19. Detection device according to one of variants 1 to 9 or 13 to 18, wherein the evaluation unit (120) generates a control indicator (130) which, depending on the shaft classification, identifies the shaft as a movement shaft (control not indicated) or residence shaft (control indicated) and transmits it together with the event data in an event-based, time-stamped and encrypted manner.

[0093] Variant 20. Procedure according to variant 10, wherein the control indicator (130) is calculated and transferred in summary for each observation window (in particular 24 h and / or 7 d).

[0094] Variant 21. Computer program product according to variant 11, wherein it is configured to determine and transmit the control indicator (130) according to claims 10 and 20.

[0095] Variant 22. Machine-readable data carrier according to variant 12, wherein it carries the computer program product according to variant 21.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, within the scope specified by the claims, a multitude of modifications are possible that fall within the bounds of what is considered skilled in the art. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 103 826 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Detection device (110) for monitoring animals (180), in particular rodents, in an underground sewer shaft (161), comprising - a main unit (116) that can be mounted inside the underground channel shaft (161) with an evaluation unit (115), a power supply (118) and a data transmission unit (9); - a sensor head (110a) arranged at a distance from the main unit (116) and connected to it via a connecting cable (113), with at least one infrared sensor (112); and - a suspension device (121) that connects the main unit (116) to the sensor head (110a), wherein the main unit (116) and the sensor head (110a) are designed such that that when the main unit (116) is attached to an element of the environment in a mounting orientation of the detection device (100), the sensor head (110a) is arranged below the main unit (116) by a gravitational effect, and furthermore, the suspension device (121) is designed in such a way that it enables adjustable positioning of the sensor head (110a) in the mounting orientation of the detection device (100) at a predefinable reference height h above a reference plane of a surroundings of the detection device (110). [2] Detection device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor head (110a) has a housing (111) with a density distribution designed such that the sensor head hangs vertically downwards without buoyancy from a liquid and tilts into an inverted orientation as the liquid level rises due to buoyancy, [3] Detection device (110) according to claim 2, wherein a tilt sensor (114) is arranged in the sensor head (110a) which changes its switching state when tilted into the inverted orientation, preferably from closed to open. [4] Detection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main unit (116) and / or the sensor head (110a) has a microphone (117) and the evaluation unit (115) is configured such that, in the event of movement and / or a change in heat radiation detected by the infrared sensor (112), an acoustic verification is initiated by analyzing a signal from the microphone (117) with respect to an ultrasonic frequency band, for example from 20 kHz, by the evaluation unit (115) for rat ultrasonic vocalizations, in particular for 22 kHz long calls and / or 50 kHz short calls. [5] Detection device (110) according to claim 4, wherein the data transmission unit (9) is configured such that if the acoustic verification is positive, the data transmission unit (9) preferably provides an encrypted signal for transmitting detection information to an external computing unit. [6] Detection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (110) does not include a catching device for the animals (180) and a killing device for the animals (180). [7] Detection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (110) can be fastened in the channel shaft (161) below an upper end of the channel shaft (161), in particular below a shaft cover (150) of the channel shaft (161) using fastening elements. [8] Monitoring system (100) for monitoring animals (180), especially rodents, in an underground canal system (160), wherein the monitoring system (100) comprises one or more detection devices (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an external computing unit, wherein the one or more detection devices (110) each comprise an infrared sensor (112) and a data transmission unit (9), wherein the infrared sensor (112) is configured to transmit detection information about the animals (180) to be monitored to the data transmission unit (9) of the respective detection device (110), wherein the data transmission unit (9) is configured to wirelessly transmit the detection information of the respective infrared sensor (112) at least section by section to the external computing unit, which is configured to evaluate and / or output the detection information of the one or more detection devices (110). [9] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the one or more detection devices (110) each comprise a level sensor (114), for example an ultrasonic sensor, wherein the level sensor (114) is configured to record level information of the underground canal system (160) and to transmit it to the data transmission unit (9) of the respective detection device (110), wherein the data transmission unit (9) is configured to wirelessly transmit the fill level information of the respective fill level sensor (114) to the external computing unit, which is configured to evaluate and / or output the fill level information of the one or more detection devices (110). [10] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the one or more detection devices (110) are each attached to a manhole cover (150) of a manhole (161) of the underground canal system (160) and / or to side walls (162) of a manhole (161) of the underground canal system (160). [11] Monitoring system (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the external computing unit is configured to evaluate the detection information of the one or more detection devices (110) in such a way that it can be displayed in graphical form by means of a screen (125). [12] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 11, comprising several detection devices (110), and wherein the external computing unit is configured to evaluate the detection information from a plurality of the several detection devices (110) in such a way that it can be displayed simultaneously in graphical form, preferably in the form of a heatmap (126), by means of the screen (125).

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