CleverSys Animal Behavior Tracking System C76688

Overview

The CleverSys Animal Behavior Tracking System C76688 is a high-resolution, video-based behavioral phenotyping platform engineered for objective, automated quantification of locomotor activity and ethologically relevant behaviors in small laboratory mammals—including mice, rats, and other rodent models. Operating on computer vision–driven motion detection and machine learning–enhanced behavior classification, the system captures and analyzes movement trajectories in 2D space (x–y plane) with sub-pixel spatial accuracy and frame-rate temporal resolution (up to 30 fps standard, configurable for higher speeds). Unlike simple photobeam or infrared beam-break systems, the C76688 employs background subtraction, adaptive thresholding, and contour-based object segmentation to reliably distinguish animals from environmental artifacts—even under variable lighting or minor cage bedding displacement. Its core architecture supports longitudinal studies requiring consistent, operator-independent behavioral profiling across multiple experimental cohorts and timepoints.

Key Features

• Fully automated, real-time tracking of up to 16 simultaneous subjects per camera field-of-view (configurable via multi-camera synchronization)
• Behavior classification engine trained on validated ethograms: rearing (vertical stance), grooming (including face-washing and body licking), immobility (resting/posture maintenance), feeding, drinking, and center/periphery zone transitions
• Modular arena compatibility: supports standard open-field chambers (e.g., 40 × 40 cm, 50 × 50 cm), elevated plus mazes, light/dark boxes, Y-mazes, and custom-defined arenas via polygonal ROI mapping
• Hardware-agnostic video acquisition: compatible with USB3/GigE industrial cameras (monochrome or color), including options with near-infrared (NIR) illumination for nocturnal or low-light assays
• Embedded calibration workflow with reference grid mapping for pixel-to-millimeter conversion and distance normalization across setups
• Robust architecture designed for continuous unattended operation over 72+ hour recording sessions with automatic file segmentation and metadata tagging

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C76688 is validated for use with C57BL/6, BALB/c, CD-1, Sprague-Dawley, and Wistar strains, as well as transgenic and knockout models exhibiting altered motor coordination or anxiety-related phenotypes. Behavioral definitions conform to standardized ethological terminology published by the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS) and align with reporting guidelines for preclinical behavioral pharmacology (e.g., NIH NOT-NS-20-027). The system supports audit-ready data export compliant with GLP documentation requirements—including timestamped raw video, processed trajectory files (.csv/.h5), behavior event logs with onset/offset timing, and session-level summary statistics. All software modules are compatible with Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness criteria for electronic records and signatures when deployed with institutional IT-approved authentication and audit trail configurations.

Software & Data Management

CleverSys Behavior Studio v5.2 provides an integrated environment for experiment design, acquisition control, batch analysis, and statistical visualization. Raw video streams are stored losslessly (H.264/H.265) with synchronized hardware timestamps. Analytical outputs include path length, velocity distribution histograms, time-in-zone metrics, bout duration/frequency for discrete behaviors, and custom composite indices (e.g., anxiety ratio = time in closed arms / total arm time). Data export formats include CSV, MATLAB .mat, and HDF5 for integration with Python (SciPy, Pandas) or R-based pipelines. The software maintains full traceability: each analysis run logs user ID, parameter settings, version number, and input file checksums—enabling full reproducibility and regulatory compliance in GMP-aligned neuroscience laboratories.

Applications

• Neuropharmacology: dose-response evaluation of anxiolytics, antidepressants, stimulants, and sedatives
• Neurodegenerative disease modeling: longitudinal assessment of motor decline in Parkinson’s or Huntington’s mouse models
• Psychiatric disorder phenotyping: behavioral endophenotype characterization in models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or schizophrenia
• Toxicology screening: detection of subtle locomotor or exploratory deficits following subchronic chemical exposure
• Genetic screening: high-throughput phenotypic validation of CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutant lines
• Circadian rhythm studies: 24-hour activity profiling under controlled light-dark cycles with automated sleep-wake inference

FAQ

What camera specifications are recommended for optimal tracking performance?
We recommend monochrome USB3 or GigE cameras with ≥1.3 MP resolution, global shutter, and adjustable exposure (1–100 ms range). NIR-compatible sensors (e.g., Sony IMX series) are advised for dim-light assays.
Can the system distinguish between multiple animals in the same arena?
Yes—the C76688 supports multi-animal tracking using identity-preserving algorithms based on size, shape dynamics, and inter-animal proximity constraints; however, reliable separation requires ≥5 cm minimum inter-subject distance during active phases.
Is offline re-analysis possible after initial acquisition?
Absolutely. All raw video and metadata are retained locally. Users may reprocess recordings with updated parameters, new behavior classifiers, or revised arena definitions without recapturing data.
Does the system support integration with third-party physiological monitoring devices?
Yes—via TTL pulse synchronization inputs and TCP/IP API access, enabling time-locked correlation with EEG, EMG, or telemetry signals from compatible vendors (e.g., Data Sciences International, TSE Systems).
How is system validation performed prior to deployment in regulated research?
CleverSys provides a comprehensive Validation Support Package including IQ/OQ documentation templates, camera calibration reports, and behavioral accuracy benchmarks against manual scoring (inter-rater reliability κ > 0.92 for primary endpoints).