Pattern recognition of rat behavior.
Analysis of animal behavior has been an arduous task requiring a human observer to record and classify individual motor acts. A computer pattern recognition system is introduced which simplifies this task by minimizing the need for human intervention. This system uses two video cameras with horizontal and vertical views of the behavior of a control and an experimental rat as they explore a simple environment for 15 minutes. Their behavior is sampled at a rate of one frame/second. Data from the video cameras are then converted into a form acceptable to Micro Vax I and VAX 11/750 computers. Each video picture is reduced to a 256 by 256 array, and ultimately each 15 minute observation session generates 28,800 blocks of information at 512 bytes each. Using a mathematically complete set of moments to the fourth order and the associated scalar invariants, the computer is programmed to identify the five major body positions of the rat including standing, sitting, rearing, walking and lying down. The computer also is programmed to identify the behaviors of grooming, head turning, whole body turning, looking, smelling, sniffing and washing face. This computer pattern recognition system not only speeds up behavioral classification, it alleviates the much criticized subjectivity introduced by human observers.
Kernan
W J
WJ
Department of Physics and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
Mullenix
P J
PJ
Hopper
D L
DL
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008433:Mathematics; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D051381:Rats; D014743:Videotape Recording