A new automated method for detection and recording of animal moving path

A new electronic system has been developed to trace the location and movement of small animals in an open-field environment. The system, incorporated with a conventional touch panel position sensor (TPPS) and an IBM AT compatible computer, automtically digitizes and records the moving path of the animal. The detection principle of the TPPS is based on the pressure effect. Whenever an animal is put on the TPPS, the location of the animal can be detected. The personal computer system is in corporate to record the locomotion data of the animal. The system described here is shown to be a reliable and accurate tool to record the moving path of an animal. This measurement did not require extra light or other stimuli, and the apparatus is low priced, and simple to build up and user friendly.

[1]  Y. C. Li,et al.  A modularized infrared light matrix system with high resolution for measuring animal behaviors , 1993, Physiology & Behavior.

[2]  W. Bauer,et al.  On-line analysis of rapid motion with a microcomputer , 1987, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[3]  Shuping Ye,et al.  A simple video position-digitizer for studying animal movement patterns , 1991, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[4]  J. Coyle,et al.  Automated measurement of stereotypic behavior in rats. , 1983 .

[5]  J. P. Huston,et al.  A video image analyzing system for open-field behavior in the rat focusing on behavioral asymmetries , 1993, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[6]  Murali Prakriya,et al.  A computerized grid walking system for evaluating the accuracy of locomotion in rats , 1993, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[7]  Joseph P. Huston,et al.  Video image analysis of behavior by microcomputer: categorization of turning and locomotion after 6-OHDA injection into the substantia nigra , 1987, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[8]  M. Torello,et al.  An automated method for measurement of circling behavior in the mouse , 1983, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior.

[9]  R. Morris.  Developments of a water-maze procedure for studying spatial learning in the rat , 1984, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[10]  Hans-Peter Lipp,et al.  A new computer program for detailed off-line analysis of swimming navigation in the Morris water maze , 1992, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

[11]  Robert J. Carey,et al.  A new method to quantify behavioral attention to a stimulus object in a modified open-field , 1994, Journal of Neuroscience Methods.