Method and device for monitoring an external environment

Abstract

Method and Device for Monitoring an External Environment. The invention relates to monitoring an external environment, particularly environmental monitoring, for example, zoological monitoring, but also road traffic monitoring. One object of the invention is a method for monitoring an external environment comprising: analyzing a return signal corresponding to the reflection of a probing signal by an optical fiber of a communication network, the probing signal having been emitted on the optical fiber. Thus, the monitoring method makes it possible to monitor the external environment along one or more optical fibers of a communication network.Given that the fiber optic communication network is comprised, over a large part of the territory, particularly rural areas, of optical fibers, notably aerial fibers, the monitoring method according to the invention makes it possible to monitor the external environment of this large part of the territory, particularly rural areas. Figure 1 for the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for monitoring an external environment technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the monitoring of an external environment, in particular environmental monitoring, for example zoological, but also road traffic monitoring. By monitoring, we mean in particular the observation and / or tracking of the external environment. State of the art

[0002] Environmental monitoring is important to measure the impact of humans on nature.

[0003] In particular, during construction projects, naturalists study the construction site and its surroundings by observing and counting animal populations before, during, and after construction. These environmental studies allow for the implementation of solutions to limit the impact of the construction project and subsequent human settlements on the animal populations that occupied this area prior to the construction.

[0004] The impact of other, more significant changes linked to human activity, such as global warming, is also studied by scientists who measure biodiversity and acoustic signal evolution.

[0005] In both cases, this requires observing animal populations, in particular by counting species.

[0006] For example, the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) calls upon people living in France to carry out a national count of birds seen in gardens over a certain period. This type of count requires a large number of counters and a specific statistical analysis of the data collected, taking into account that the counters are not professionals. Furthermore, this count is very sporadic, taking place during a counting campaign generally carried out once a year. This does not allow for the measurement of significant animal migrations for certain bird species.

[0007] Another counting method uses microphones placed at specific recording points to record bird songs and / or animal calls, from which the presence of that animal around the recording point is determined. This counting method is also very localized in terms of time and geographical location.

[0008] While road surveillance, also called road monitoring, seems more widespread, it is based on cameras placed on street furniture along urban roads or axes motorways. Road surveillance by camera is very limited geographically since it only allows observation of the camera's field of view, and costly since it requires multiplying the cameras to expand the monitored area.

[0009] The only existing acoustic road monitoring system: This involves noise radars, which only allows monitoring of one type of road event: the noise level of vehicles. Therefore, acoustic road monitoring is not only geographically limited (linked to the location of the radars) but also limited in terms of the type of event monitored.

[0010] So, in general, external environmental monitoring is currently very limited: geographically and / or temporally and / or type of event (road, environmental, etc.). Description of the invention

[0011] One of the aims of the present invention is to provide improvements over the prior art.

[0012] An object of the invention is a method for monitoring an external environment comprising: - analyze a return signal corresponding to the reflection of a sounding signal by an optical fiber of a communication network, the sounding signal having been emitted on the optical fiber.

[0013] Thus, the monitoring method makes it possible to monitor the external environment along one or more optical fibers of a communication network. Given that the optical fiber communication network is made up, over a large part of the territory, particularly rural areas, of optical fibers, notably aerial fibers, the monitoring method according to the invention makes it possible to monitor the external environment of this large part of the territory, particularly rural areas.

[0014] Advantageously, the analysis of the return signal includes: - extracting an acoustic signal from the return signal.

[0015] Advantageously, the analysis of the return signal includes: - to recognize an acoustic signal included in the return signal.

[0016] Thus, the monitoring method according to the invention makes it possible to monitor several types of sound events along optical fibers depending on the types of acoustic signals that the analysis is capable of recognizing. In particular, the monitoring method is capable of monitoring several animal species, and / or several types of road noise events, which allows the monitoring according to the invention to perform both environmental monitoring and / or road traffic monitoring in the area in which optical fibers are deployed.

[0017] Advantageously, the analysis of the return signal includes: - to locate in the external environment an acoustic signal included in the return signal.

[0018] Thus, the monitoring method according to the invention allows for monitoring over the entire length of the optical fibers deployed in an area, the localization makes it possible to associate a sound event captured by an optical fiber in the area and provided in the return signal with a position in that area.

[0019] Advantageously, the monitoring method comprises: - a statistical analysis of the data obtained by analyzing the return signal

[0020] Thus, the monitoring method according to the invention provides not only a sound event captured by an optical fiber from an area in which optical fibers are deployed, but also statistical data on this captured sound event, such as the number of times this sound event was captured, the frequency of occurrence of the sound event in the area...

[0021] Advantageously, at least one step of the return signal analysis is carried out by artificial intelligence.

[0022] Advantageously, the monitoring method comprises: - to transmit, on the optical fiber of the communication network, a sounding signal; and - to receive a return signal corresponding to the reflection of the sounding signal by the optical fiber.

[0023] Advantageously, the sounding signal was emitted with a given wavelength and the return signal has a wavelength close to the given wavelength.

[0024] Advantageously, the sounding signal was emitted with a sounding wavelength different from the useful wavelength used for communication signals transmitted by optical fiber.

[0025] Advantageously, according to one implementation of the invention, the various steps of the process according to the invention are implemented by a software or computer program, this software comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of a device forming part of a monitoring device for an external environment and designed to control the execution of the various steps of this process.

[0026] The invention therefore also relates to a program comprising program code instructions for the execution of the steps of the monitoring process according to any one of the preceding claims when said program is executed by a processor.

[0027] This program can use any programming language and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code. such as in a partially compiled form or in any other desirable form.

[0028] An object of the invention is also a device for monitoring an external environment comprising: - a return signal analyzer capable of analyzing a return signal corresponding to the reflection of a probing signal by an optical fiber of a communication network, the probing signal having been emitted on the optical fiber.

[0029] Advantageously, the return signal analyzer comprises one or more of the following devices: - an acoustic extractor capable of extracting an acoustic signal from the return signal; - a sound recognition device capable of recognizing an acoustic signal included in the return signal.

[0030] Advantageously, the monitoring device includes a statistical analyzer capable of processing the data provided by the return signal analyzer.

[0031] Advantageously, the monitoring device comprises a distributed acoustic sensor capable of: - to emit, on the optical fiber of the communication network, a probing signal, the probing signal being a light signal with a probing wavelength different from the useful wavelength used for the communication signals transmitted by the optical fiber; and - receive a return signal corresponding to the reflection of the sounding signal by the optical fiber. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description, given by way of example, and the related figures which represent:

[0033] [Fig. 1], a simplified diagram of a method for monitoring an external environment according to the invention,

[0034] [Fig.2], a simplified detailed diagram of a method for monitoring an external environment according to the invention,

[0035] [Fig.3a], a simplified detailed diagram of a method for monitoring an external environment according to the invention,

[0036] [Fig.3b], a simplified diagram of a sounding signal generator according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0037] The invention relates to optical fibers, the signals carried (communication signal sc, sounding signal ps, return signal sr) by the optical fiber are light signals, in particular in the form of laser pulses.

[0038] Fig. 1 illustrates a simplified diagram of a method for monitoring an external environment according to the invention.

[0039] The method for monitoring an external environment EEMP includes: - analyzing a return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ corresponding to the reflection of a probing signal ps by an optical fiber FO of a communication network N, the probing signal ps having been emitted on the optical fiber FO.

[0040] In particular, the reflection of the ps sounding signal by the optical fiber FO of the communication network N as a function of the acoustic signals sb s2 surrounding the optical fiber FO.

[0041] In particular, the EEMP external environment monitoring method comprises: - analyze a return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ corresponding to the reflection of a ps sounding signal by an aerial optical fiber FO of an N communication network, the ps sounding signal having been emitted on the aerial optical fiber FO.

[0042] The use of aerial optical fibers allows for monitoring with better acuity and for a wider area than for other types of optical fibers, in particular buried optical fibers.

[0043] In particular, at least one step of the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ is carried out by artificial intelligence.

[0044] In particular, the EEMP monitoring method comprises: - to transmit PS_EM, over the optical fiber, particularly aerial, FO of the N communication network, a probing signal ps; and - receive SR_RC a return signal sr corresponding to the reflection of the ps sounding signal by the optical fiber, especially aerial, FO.

[0045] In particular, the sounding signal ps is a signal, in particular a light signal, with a sounding wavelength different ^p from the useful wavelength Xu used for communication signals sc, scm, scd transmitted by optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO.

[0046] In particular, the received return signal sr is a function of the acoustic signals si, s2 surrounding the optical fiber, especially aerial, FO.

[0047] In particular, the ps sounding signal is a function of the length of the optical fiber, especially aerial, and of the accuracy of the measurement.

[0048] In particular, the probing signal ps was emitted with a given wavelength 2 and the return signal sr has a wavelength close to the given wavelength 2. By wavelength close to the given wavelength is understood to be a length wavelength closer to the given wavelength than any other possible wavelength

[0049] In particular, the sounding signal ps was emitted with a sounding wavelength Åp different from the useful wavelength Åu used for the communication signals sc, scm, scd transmitted by optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO: 2= Åp Åu,

[0050] In particular, the EEMP monitoring method comprises: - a statistical analysis ST_NZ of the data obtained by analyzing the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ.

[0051] A communication network N is deployed in an external environment EE. It includes, in particular, a network of optical fibers, such as aerial optical fibers possibly strung between poles P supporting the optical fibers. Specifically, a communication signal sc is transmitted via one of the optical fibers FO of the communication network N.

[0052] The external environment EE includes at least one acoustic source SO, SOi, SO2 ..., such as an animal: a bird B: SOi=B, a vehicle V: SO2=V, ...

[0053] A probing signal ps is emitted PS_EM on an optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO of the communication network N. In particular, the EEMP monitoring method includes the emission of the probing signal ps. The probing signal ps is optionally modulated according to a wavelength 2. In particular, when the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO already carries a communication signal sc, the wavelength used to modulate the probing signal ps, called the probing wavelength, is distinct from the wavelength 2M of the communication signal sc, called the useful wavelength: 2 = Àp* Àu.

[0054] Optical fiber, particularly aerial fiber, FO, and more specifically small defects in optical fiber, particularly aerial fiber, FO, reflect the probing signal ps. Thus, a return signal sr, consisting of the reflection(s) of the probing signal ps by the optical fiber, particularly aerial fiber, FO, is received SR_RC.

[0055] It should be noted that the vibrations linked to the acoustic signals s, sb s2 from acoustic sources SO, SOi, SO2, in particular to the sound signals from sound sources, from the external environment EE passing through the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO carrying the sounding signal ps slightly modify the return signal sr, in particular the shape and / or the position of the defects which induces a slight phase shift of the reflection sr of the sounding signal ps.

[0056] The return signal is received SR_RC. In particular, a distributed acoustic capture (DAS) method comprises at least one of the following steps: - to emit PS_EM, on the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO of the communication network N, a sounding signal ps, the sounding signal ps being a light signal suitable for transmission by the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO; and - to receive SR_RC a return signal sr corresponding to the reflection of the sounding signal ps by the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO.

[0057] In particular, the sounding signal ps is emitted PS_EM with a sounding wavelength ^p different from the useful wavelength Àu used for the communication signals sc, scm, scd transmitted over the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO.

[0058] In particular, the SR_RC return signal reception and / or the DAS distributed acoustic capture process converts O / E_CNV (not shown) the optical return signal sr from the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO into an electronic return signal sr'.

[0059] In particular, the distributed acoustic capture process DAS is an optoelectronic process, that is to say a process operating both on optical signals: the probing signal ps emitted on the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO and / or the return signal sr received from the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO, and electronic signals: the electronic return signal sr' obtained as a function of the optical return signal sr received.

[0060] In particular, the EEMP monitoring method comprises one or more of the following steps: - emit the PS_EM polling signal; - receive the SR_RC return signal; - perform a distributed acoustic capture (DAS).

[0061] The analysis of the SR_NZ, SR'_NZ return signal is performed on the return signal sr, sr' received from the optical fiber, particularly aerial fiber, and specifically on the electronic return signal sr'. In particular, the analysis of the SR_NZ, SR'_NZ return signal processes the return signal sr, sr' provided by the reception of the SR_RC return signal and / or the DAS distributed acoustic capture process, specifically by the O / E_CNV conversion of the optical return signal dr into the electronic return signal sr'. Specifically, the analysis of the SR'_NZ return signal processing the electronic return signal sr' is an electronic step of the EEMP monitoring process.

[0062] In particular, the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ determines, from the return signal sr, sr', data relating to the return signal dsr, notably the type rg of acoustic sources SO present in the external environment EE: dsr □ rg. Optionally, the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ determines, in addition to the type of acoustic sources present rg, the location loc of the acoustic sources present in the external environment EE dsr □ loc. Thus, in the case of a dsr □ [rg? loc^ External environment EE in which several acoustic sources {SOn}n are present ({SOn}n=SOi, SO2 in the example of [Fig.1]), the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ provides one or more of the following data relating to the return signal dsr: - several received acoustic signals {snn}n, each received acoustic signal snn being a function of an acoustic signal sn from a distinct acoustic source, an acoustic signal from the external environment EE; - one or more types of acoustic sources f rg. 1 (each acoustic source 1 1 ' i, i <n which can be of a distinct type i=n or several acoustic sources which can be of the same type i <n) ; - one or more locations loc of received acoustic signals or types of acoustic sources: loc(snn), loc(rgi) associated respectively with the received acoustic signals snn or the types of acoustic sources rg; : {(snn,loc(snn))}n, {(rgiJoc^g;))}; ; - etc.

[0063] In particular, the EEMP monitoring method comprises: - statistically analyze ST_NZ data relating to the return signal sr, sr', in particular data dsr provided by the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ.

[0064] The statistical analysis ST_NZ determines statistical data, such as the number of types of acoustic sources nbi(rgi), the frequencies of a type of acoustic source frq^rgO, ..., from the data relating to the return signal sr, sr', in particular data provided by the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ, such as the type rg; of acoustic sources SO; present in the external environment EE, and / or the location loc; of acoustic sources present in the external environment EE, etc.

[0065] In particular, the ST_NZ statistical analysis provides one or more of the statistical data relating to the data relating to the return signal sr, sr': - the number of occurrences nb of the same received acoustic signal nb(snn) in the external environment and / or of the same type of acoustic source nb(rg;); - the frequency of occurrence frq of the same received acoustic signal frq(snn) in the external environment and / or of the same type of acoustic source frq(rgi); - etc.

[0066] In an embodiment not illustrated, the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ includes the statistical analysis ST_NZ.

[0067] Figure 2 illustrates a simplified detailed diagram of a method for monitoring a external environment according to the invention.

[0068] The EEMP monitoring method includes the analysis of the electronic return signal SR'_NZ which processes the received electronic return signal sr' originating in particular from a distributed acoustic capture DAS as described with reference to [Fig.1].

[0069] In particular, the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ includes: - extracting SN_XR an acoustic signal snn in the return signal sr, sr'.

[0070] Thus, the received return signal sr makes it possible to reconstruct the acoustic signals, the sound signals s, sb s2 captured all along the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO. The optical fiber, in particular aerial, then constitutes a continuous sensor.

[0071] In particular, the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ includes: - recognize RCG an acoustic signal snn included in the return signal sr, sr'.

[0072] RCG recognition identifies, in particular, the type of acoustic signal, the acoustic source of the acoustic signal in the return signal, etc. The type of acoustic source is understood to include the animal species, the vehicle category, or even, more precisely, an event (type of call or song, vehicle speed, accident, etc.). Thus, the recognition system is capable of recognizing the songs of birds B, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. RCG recognition is performed, in particular, on an extracted acoustic signal snn, provided, for example, by an SN_XTR extraction. Optionally, RCG recognition is performed using artificial intelligence for recognizing acoustic signals and / or sound signals, also called sounds.

[0073] In particular, the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ includes: - locating LC in the external environment EE an acoustic signal snn included in the return signal sr, sr'.

[0074] In particular, LC localization is the localization, along the optical fiber, of the capture position of the acoustic signal included in the return signal. In this case, LC localization is performed based on acoustic signals extracted by SN_XT extraction.

[0075] Optionally, LC localization of an acoustic signal is the localization of a type of acoustic signal included in the return signal. In this case, LC localization is performed based on the type of acoustic signals extracted by RCG recognition.

[0076] The analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ determines and provides data relating to the return signal dsr comprising one or more of the following data: - one or more received acoustic signals sn, {snn]n, each received acoustic signal snn being a function of an acoustic signal sn from a distinct acoustic source acoustic signal from the external environment EE; - one or more types of acoustic sources rg, [ rg, 1 (each source ' 1 ' i, i <n acoustic sources that can be of a distinct type i=n or several acoustic sources that can be of the same type i <n) ; - one or more locations loc of one or more received acoustic signals or of one or more types of acoustic sources: loc(sn), loc(rg) associated respectively with the received acoustic signals sn, {snn}n or with the types of acoustic sources rg, {rg 1 : (sn,loc(sn)), (rg, loc(rg)), {(snn,loc(snn))}n, {(rgi,loc(rgi))}i 1 1 ' i, i<,n - etc.

[0077] In particular, the monitoring method includes the ST_NZ statistical analysis.

[0078] In particular, the ST_NZ statistical analysis includes: - count CMPT data relating to the return signal dsr in particular provided by the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ.

[0079] The CMPT count of the data relating to the return signal dsr allows each identical dsr data point to be counted, such as the number of identical acoustic signals nb(snn), the number of identical types of acoustic signals nb(rg;), the number of acoustic signals or types of acoustic signals associated with the same location loc...

[0080] In particular, the ST_NZ statistical analysis includes: - determine the FRQ_CLC frequency of the data relating to the return signal dsr in particular provided by the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ.

[0081] The FRQ_CLC frequency calculation of the data relating to the return signal dsr makes it possible to count each identical dsr data point, such as the frequency of the same acoustic signals frq(snn), the frequency of the same type of acoustic signals frq(rg;), the frequency of acoustic signals or types of acoustic signals associated with the same location loc...

[0082] An embodiment of an external environment monitoring method EEMP is a program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the monitoring method according to the invention when said program is executed by a processor.

[0083] The invention also relates to a medium. The information medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a floppy disk or a hard disk drive.

[0084] On the other hand, the information medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal that can be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded onto a network, in particular the Internet.

[0085] Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

[0086] In another implementation, the invention is implemented by means of software and / or hardware components. In this context, the term module can refer to either a software component or a hardware component. A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more subroutines of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or a set of functions as described above. A hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions.

[0087] Figure 3a illustrates a simplified detailed diagram of a method device for monitoring an external environment according to the invention.

[0088] The monitoring device 3 of an external environment 0 comprising: - a return signal analyzer 33 capable of analyzing a return signal sr, sr' corresponding to the reflection of a ps.. .psk sounding signal by an optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 111... 1 lk of a communication network 1, the ps.. .psk sounding signal having been emitted on the optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 111... 1 lk.

[0089] In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 is capable of analyzing a return signal corresponding to the reflection of a ps.. .psk sounding signal by an optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 1 li... 1 lk of a communication network 1 as a function of the acoustic signals s, Si.. .sn surrounding the optical fiber, in particular aerial, 1.

[0090] In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 comprises one or more of the following devices: - an acoustic extractor 330 capable of extracting an acoustic signal snn in the return signal sr, sri... srk, sr'; - a sound recognition device 331 capable of recognizing an acoustic signal sn included in the return signal sr, sri...srk, sr'.

[0091] In particular, the monitoring device 3 includes a statistical analyzer 34 capable of processing the dsr data provided by the return signal analyzer 33.

[0092] In particular, the monitoring device 3 comprises a distributed acoustic sensor 32 capable of: - to transmit, on the optical fiber, particularly aerial, 11, 111... 11k of the communication network 1, a probing signal ps, psi...psk; and - receive a return signal sr, sri... srk, corresponding to the reflection of the sounding signal ps, psi.. .psk by the optical fiber, especially aerial, 11, 111... 1 lk.

[0093] In particular, the probing signal ps, psi.. .psk is a signal, for example a light signal or an infrared signal or an ultraviolet signal, etc., with a probing wavelength 2p different from the useful wavelength äu used for communication signals sc transmitted by optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 11i... 11k.

[0094] In particular, the distributed acoustic sensor 32 is capable of receiving a return signal sr, sri...srk, corresponding to the reflection of the sounding signal ps, psi.. .psk by the optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 1 li... 1 lk as a function of the acoustic signals sn surrounding the optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 111... 11 k.

[0095] A communication network 1 is deployed in an external environment 0. The communication network 1 comprises several optical fibers, including aerial ones, 11, 111... 11k. In particular, a communication signal sc, composed, for example, of an uplink signal scm and / or a downlink signal scd, is transmitted via one of the optical fibers 11, 111 of the communication network 1.

[0096] The external environment O includes at least one source Oi...On, in particular an acoustic source and / or a mechanical source. Each mechanical source exerts a mechanical signal on the optical fiber, in particular an aerial fiber, in particular relative to pressure and / or support on the optical fiber, in particular an aerial fiber. Each acoustic source Oi...On emits an acoustic signal, respectively Si...sn. The acoustic source is and / or includes in particular a vibrational source and / or a sound source.

[0097] A sounding signal ps, psi...psk is emitted on an optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, lli...llk of the communication network 1. In particular, a sounder 21 and / or a distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 and / or the monitoring device 3 is capable of emitting the sounding signal ps, psi.. .psk.

[0098] In particular, the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 and / or the monitoring device 3 includes the sounder 21. In particular, the monitoring device 3 includes the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32.

[0099] In particular, the ps, psi...psk sounding signal is generated prior to its transmission. Specifically, a sounding generator 20 generates the ps, psi...psk sounding signal and provides it, in particular, to the sounder 21.

[0100] In particular, the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 and / or the monitoring device 3 includes the sounding generator 20.

[0101] The sounding signal ps, psi.. .psk is optionally modulated according to a wavelength 2. In particular, when the optical fiber, especially aerial, 11, 111... 11k already carries a communication signal sc, the wavelength used to modulate the sounding signal 11, 111... 11k, called the sounding wavelength, is distinct from the wavelength Äu of the communication signal sc, called the useful wavelength Äu; Ä = Äp Ä,,.

[0102] The survey generator 20 is illustrated in particular by [Fig.3b].

[0103] A return signal sr, srp..srk resulting from reflection(s) of the probing signal ps, psp. .psk via optical fiber, particularly aerial, probed 11, 111... 1 lk, is received. In particular, a receiver 22 and / or a distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 and / or the monitoring device 3 is capable of receiving the return signal sr, srp. .srk.

[0104] In particular, the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 and / or the monitoring device 3 includes the return signal receiver 22.

[0105] In particular, a distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 comprises at least one of the following devices: - a sounder 21 capable of transmitting, on the optical fiber, particularly aerial, 11, 1 lp.. 1 lk of the communication network 1, a sounding signal ps, psi.. .psk; and - a return signal receiver 22 capable of receiving a return signal sr, sri... srk corresponding to the reflection of the probing signal ps, psi.. .psk by the optical fiber 11, llp..llk.

[0106] In particular, the sounding signal ps, psp. .psk is a light signal suitable for transmission by optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 11p..llk and the return signal sr, srp.. srk is a light signal resulting from the light reflection of the sounding signal ps, psp..psk by optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, llp..llk.

[0107] In particular, the return signal receiver 22 is capable of receiving a return signal sr, srp.. srk corresponding to the reflection of the probing signal ps, psp. .psk by the optical fiber 11, 11p.. 1 lk as a function of the acoustic signals s,Sp.. sk surrounding the optical fiber 11, 11p.. 1 lk.

[0108] In particular, the return signal receiver 22 and / or the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 is capable of converting the optical return signal sr from the optical fiber, in particular aerial, 11, 1 lp.. 1 lk into an electronic return signal sr'. In particular, the return signal receiver 22 and / or the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 includes an optical-to-electronic converter 23 (not shown).

[0109] In particular, the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32 is an optoelectronic device, that is to say, a device capable of operating on both optical signals: the probing signal ps emitted on the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO, and / or the return signal sr received from the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO, and signals electronics: the electronic return signal sr' obtained as a function of the received optical return signal sr.

[0110] In particular, the monitoring device 3 comprises one or more of the following devices: - a sounder 21 capable of emitting the sounding signal; - a return signal receiver 22; - a distributed acoustic sensor 32.

[0111] The return signal analyzer 33 is capable of performing an analysis on the return signal sr, sr' received from the optical fiber, particularly aerial fiber, specifically on the electronic return signal sr'. In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 is capable of processing the return signal sr, sr' provided by the return signal receiver 22 and / or the distributed acoustic sensor 2, 32, specifically by the converter 23 of the optical return signal dr into the electronic return signal sr'. In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 processing the electronic return signal sr' is an electronic component of the monitoring device 3.

[0112] In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 is capable of determining, from the return signal sr, sr', data relating to the return signal dsr, notably the type rgi of acoustic sources 0n present in the external environment 0: dsr □ rg. Optionally, the return signal analyzer 33 is capable of determining, in addition to the type of acoustic sources present rgi, the location loc; of the acoustic sources present in the external environment 0 dsr □ loc? . ( " Thus, in the case of a dsr □ loc^ external environment 0 in which several acoustic sources {0n]n are present, the return signal analyzer 33 is capable of providing one or more of the following data relating to the return signal dsr: - several received acoustic signals {snn]n, each received acoustic signal snn being a function of an acoustic signal sn from a distinct acoustic source acoustic signal from the external environment 0; - one or more types of acoustic sources 1 rg.} (each acoustic source '1' i, i <n which can be of a distinct type i=n or several acoustic sources which can be of the same type i <n) ; - one or more locations loc of received acoustic signals or types of acoustic sources: loc(snn), loc(rgi) associated respectively with the received acoustic signals snn or the types of acoustic sources rg; : {(snn,loc(snn))]n, {(rgiJoc^g;))}; ; - etc.

[0113] The monitoring device 3 includes the return signal analyzer 33 capable of processing the received electronic return signal sr' coming in particular from a distributed acoustic sensor 32.

[0114] In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 comprises: - an extractor 330 capable of extracting an acoustic signal snn in the return signal sr, sr'.

[0115] In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 comprises: - a recognition device 331 capable of recognizing an acoustic signal snn included in the return signal sr, sr'.

[0116] The recognition device 331 is capable of recognizing, in particular, the type of acoustic signal, the acoustic source originating the acoustic signal in the return signal, etc. By type of acoustic source is understood to mean the animal species, the vehicle category, or even more precisely an event (type of cry or song, vehicle speed, accident, etc.)...

[0117] The recognition device 331 is suitable for being performed in particular on an extracted acoustic signal snn provided for example by the extractor 330.

[0118] In particular, the return signal analyzer 33 comprises: - a localization device 332 capable of locating in the external environment 0 an acoustic signal snn included in the return signal sr, sr'.

[0119] In particular, the localization device 332 is capable of locating the capture position of the acoustic signal included in the return signal on the optical fiber. In this case, the localization device 332 is capable of operating based on acoustic signals extracted by the extractor 330.

[0120] Optionally, the localization of an acoustic signal implemented by the localization device 332 is a localization of a type of acoustic signal included in the return signal. In this case, the localization device 332 is capable of performing localization based on the type of acoustic signals extracted by the recognition device 331.

[0121] The return signal analyzer 33 is capable of determining and providing data relating to the return signal (DSR) comprising one or more of the following data: - one or more received acoustic signals sn, {snn]n, each received acoustic signal snn being a function of an acoustic signal sn from a distinct acoustic source acoustic signal from the external environment 0; - one or more types of acoustic sources rg, [ rg.] (each source 1 1 ' i. i <n acoustic sources that can be of a distinct type i=n or several acoustic sources that can be of the same type i <n) ; - one or more locations loc of one or more received acoustic signals or of one or more types of acoustic sources: associated loc(sn), loc(rg) respectively to the received acoustic signals sn, {snn}n or to the types of acoustic sources rg, {rg 1 : (sn,loc(sn)), (rg, loc(rg)), {(snn,loc(snn))}n, {(rgi,loc(rgi))]i 1 11 i, i'hi ? - etc.

[0122] In particular, a statistical analyzer 34,4 is capable of statistically analyzing data relating to the return signal sr, sr', in particular dsr data provided by the return signal analyzer 33. In particular, the statistical analyzer 34,4 is and / or comprises one or more artificial intelligence devices capable of performing at least one statistical analysis of the data relating to the return signal sr, sr'.

[0123] In particular, the statistical analyzer 34,4 includes one or more statistical calculation devices 341, 342, ..., 34m depending on the data relating to the return signal dsr in particular provided by the return signal analyzer 33.

[0124] In particular, the statistical analyzer 34.4 comprises: - a counter 341 of the data relating to the return signal dsr in particular provided by the return signal analyzer 33.

[0125] The counter 341 of the data relating to the return signal dsr is, in particular, capable of counting each identical data dsr, such as the number of the same acoustic signals nb(snn), the number of the same type of acoustic signals nb(rg;), the number of acoustic signals or types of acoustic signals associated with the same location loc... The counter 341 is in particular an artificial intelligence device.

[0126] In particular, the statistical analyzer 34.4 comprises: - a frequency calculator 342 capable of determining the frequency of the data relating to the return signal dsr in particular provided by the return signal analyzer 33.

[0127] The frequency calculator 342 of the data relating to the return signal dsr is, in particular, capable of counting each identical dsr data, such as the frequency of the same acoustic signals frq(snn), the frequency of the same type of acoustic signals frq(rgi), the frequency of acoustic signals or types of acoustic signals associated with the same location loc... The frequency calculator 342 is in particular an artificial intelligence device.

[0128] In particular, the statistical analyzer 34.4 comprises: - a 34m enriched event generator, such as distribution maps capable of determining a distribution map of the data relating to the return signal dsr provided by the return signal analyzer 33.

[0129] The 34m data distribution map generator for the DSR return signal is, in particular, capable of generating a DSR data distribution map, such as an acoustic signal distribution map mp(sn), a signal type distribution map acoustics frq(rg)... The 34m enriched event generator is notably an artificial intelligence device.

[0130] In particular, a statistical analyzer 34, 4 is capable of determining statistical data ds, such as a number of acoustic source types nb;(rgi), a frequency of an acoustic source type frq;(rgi), a distribution map mp of the data relating to the return signal dsr..from the data relating to the return signal sr, sr', in particular data provided by the analysis of the return signal SR_NZ, SR'_NZ, such as the type rg; of acoustic sources 0n present in the external environment 0, and / or the location loc; of the acoustic sources present in the external environment 0, etc.

[0131] In particular, the statistical analyzer 34, 4 is capable of providing one or more of the statistical data relating to the data relating to the return signal sr, sr': - the number of occurrences nb of the same received acoustic signal nb(sn) in the external environment and / or of the same type of acoustic source nb(rg); - the frequency of occurrence frq of the same received acoustic signal frq(sn) in the external environment and / or of the same type of acoustic source frq(rg); - a distribution map of the received acoustic signals mp(sn) and / or of the types of acoustic signals mp(rg); - etc.

[0132] In particular, the monitoring device 3 comprises: - a statistical analyzer 34 of the data relating to the return signal sr, sr', in particular of the dsr data provided by the return signal analyzer 33.

[0133] In an embodiment not shown, the return signal analyzer 33 includes the statistical analysis 34.

[0134] Fig. 3b illustrates a simplified diagram of a sounding signal generator 20 according to the invention.

[0135] In particular, the sounding generator 20 is capable of generating the amplitude of the sounding signal a(ps), in particular by means of an amplitude generator 200, of modulating the generated amplitude with a given wavelength 2 in particular by means of a modulator 201.

[0136] In a first embodiment of the sounding generator 20, the modulator 201 is capable of modulating the generated amplitude a(ps) with a single wavelength: the given wavelength 2. This given wavelength is, in particular, equal to the useful wavelength Δu used by the communication signals transmitted over the optical fibers, in this case the aerial optical fibers illustrated in Figure 3b, of the communication network 1, or to a distinct wavelength used for sounding the optical fibers, in this case the aerial optical fibers illustrated by figure 3b, of communication network 1, called sounding wavelength Âp.

[0137] In particular, the sounding generator, especially the modulator 201, retrieves the given wavelength 1 into a memory or wavelength database 204.

[0138] Optionally, when several modulation wavelengths are available, in particular in the wavelength memory or base 204, the given wavelength is selected from the available wavelengths by means of a switch 203. The given wavelength 2 is optionally determined according to the capture medium in which the aerial optical fiber 0i is placed, enabling the probing of the external environment 0. Indeed, the properties of this medium modify the propagation properties of acoustic signals, particularly as a function of frequencies.

[0139] In particular, the switch 203 is controlled by a communication signal detector 202.

[0140] For example, the communication signal detector 202 instructs the switch 203 to transmit the probe wavelength to the modulator 201 when the communication signal detector 202 detects a communication signal sc on the probed optical fiber, in particular aerial fiber. In this case, the switch 203 provides the useful wavelength Äu to the modulator 201 by default.

[0141] Alternatively, the communication signal detector 202 instructs the switch 203 to transmit the useful wavelength 2H to the modulator 201 if the communication signal detector 202 does not detect a communication signal sc on the probed optical fiber, particularly aerial fiber. In this case, the switch 203 provides the probing wavelength dp to the modulator 201 by default.

[0142] In particular, the switch 203 is controlled according to an action by a user U. The user action is, in particular, an indication of a given wavelength 2, for example, a length selected from several available ones, such as the useful wavelength λu and the sounding wavelength λp. Thus:

[0143] When user U becomes aware that the probed optical fiber, particularly aerial fiber, is being used to transmit a communication signal, he will choose: - either a wavelength distinct from the useful wavelength 2W used for communication, in particular it will select from the available wavelengths the sounding wavelength ^p; - either he will change the optical fiber being probed to find an optical fiber, especially an aerial one, free of communication signals if he knows that the only wavelength available for probing is equal to the useful wavelength.

[0144] As a precaution, when the user does not know whether the optical fiber, particularly aerial, being probed is being used to transmit a communication signal, it will behave as if it were.

[0145] On the other hand, when the user is aware that the optical fiber, in particular aerial, being probed does not transmit any communication signal, he can choose either a wavelength distinct from the useful wavelength used for communication (in particular he will select from the available wavelengths the probing wavelength dp) or the useful wavelength xH.

[0146] Thus, the invention makes it possible to monitor biodiversity, particularly birds. In this particular embodiment, the monitoring involves: - acoustic transmissions; - mechanical transmissions by direct contact with the aerial optical fiber (bird that lands, is landed, or takes off from an aerial optical fiber, nest - for example of a stork - on a pole carrying an aerial optical fiber).

[0147] The invention can therefore be generalized to mechanical sources whose contact with the optical fiber, in particular aerial, FO modifies the shape of the latter which induces a slight phase shift of the reflection sr of the probing signal ps.

[0148] The principle of the invention can be applied to all types of sounds captureable via an optical fiber, including aerial fiber: road traffic, air traffic, rail traffic, construction sites, noise pollution, etc., without requiring any specific installation in the covered area. The use of an aerial optical fiber allows for acoustic monitoring of a wider terrestrial environment, due in particular to the fact that the acoustic signal captured by the optical fiber is not attenuated by the ground (unlike a buried optical fiber) and is therefore more easily audible. It notably allows for the continuous localization of an acoustic source over the several kilometers of length of the aerial optical fiber.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of monitoring an external environment comprising: - analyzing a return signal corresponding to the reflection of a probing signal by an optical fiber of a communication network, the probing signal having been emitted on the optical fiber.

2. A monitoring method according to the preceding claim, wherein the analysis of the return signal comprises: - extracting an acoustic signal from the return signal.

3. A monitoring method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis of the return signal comprises: - recognizing an acoustic signal included in the return signal.

4. A monitoring method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis of the return signal comprises: - locating in the external environment an acoustic signal included in the return signal.

5. A monitoring method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring method comprises: - a statistical analysis of the data obtained by analyzing the return signal

6. A method for monitoring an external environment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one step of the return signal analysis is performed by artificial intelligence.

7. A method for monitoring an external environment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring method comprises: - transmitting, on the optical fiber of the communication network, the probing signal; and - receiving the return signal corresponding to the reflection of the probing signal by the optical fiber.

8. A monitoring method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sounding signal was emitted with a given wavelength and the return signal has a wavelength close to the given wavelength.

9. A monitoring method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sounding signal was emitted with a sounding wavelength different from the useful wavelength used for communication signals transmitted by optical fiber.

10. A program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the monitoring method according to any one of the preceding claims when said program is executed by a processor.

11. External environment monitoring device comprising: - a return signal analyzer capable of analyzing a return signal corresponding to the reflection of a probing signal by an optical fiber of a communication network, the probing signal having been emitted on the optical fiber.

12. A monitoring device according to the preceding claim, wherein the return signal analyzer comprises one or more of the following devices: - an acoustic extractor capable of extracting an acoustic signal from the return signal; - a sound recognition device capable of recognizing an acoustic signal included in the return signal.

13. External environment monitoring device according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the monitoring device includes a statistical analyzer capable of processing the data provided by the return signal analyzer.

14. External environment monitoring device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the monitoring device comprises a distributed acoustic sensor capable of: - emitting, on the optical fiber of the communication network, the probing signal, the probing signal being a light signal with a probing wavelength different from the useful wavelength used for the communication signals transmitted by the optical fiber; and - receiving the return signal corresponding to the reflection of the probing signal by the optical fiber.

Images