Automated Monitoring of Flight Activity at a Beehive Entrance using Infrared Light Sensors

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Abstract
Summary A computer-based system for studying bee behaviour is described. The main function of the system was to count the number of bees moving in and out of a hive, and to determine their direction of movement. To correlate bee activity with environmental factors, the system also monitored the temperature inside and outside the hive, solar radiation, humidity, wind speed, and the weight of the hive. All the data acquisition was conducted and controlled by a single-board computer, based on an Intel 8088 microprocessor. In a field test, data acquisition was carried out at preset, 15-min intervals. Data from a representative period of 4 days are presented and indicate satisfactory operation of the system. The system also shows potential for studying bee movement inside hives during an overwintering period.

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