Abstract: A monitoring device comprises a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving, respectively, a signal in a medium to be monitored. During a cycle of m sampling periods n sampling values are taken of the signal received during each sampling period. After completion of each cycle a series of n means sampling values is determined by determining a mean value from the m sampling values taken at corresponding instants in the sampling periods. This series forms an actual pattern word which is sub-divided into sub-pattern words, each sub-pattern word being combined with a corresponding sub-pattern word from a reference pattern word in order to form a combination word. The combination word is translated into a code number which is selected from a predetermined series of code numbers. The code number assigned characterizes the time shift of the actual sub-pattern word with respect to the reference pattern word.