A combined system for measuring animal motion activities

In this study, we have developed a combined animal motion activity measurem ent system that combines an infrared light matrix subsystem with an ultraso nic phase shift subsystem for animal activity measurement. Accordingly, in conjunction with an IBM PC/AT compatible personal computer, the combined sy stem has the advantages of both infrared and ultrasonic subsystems. That is , it can at once measure and directly analyze detailed changes in animal ac tivity ranging from locomotion to tremor. The main advantages of this combi ned system are that it features real time data acquisition with the option of animated real time or recorded display/playback of the animal's motion. Additionally, under the multi-task operating condition of IBM PC, it can ac quire and process behavior using both IR and ultrasound systems simultaneou sly. Traditional systems have had to make separate runs for gross and fine movement recording. This combined system can be profitably employed for nor mative behavioral activity studies and for neurological and pharmacological research. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.