Visual cognitive learning device

Abstract

The application provides a visual cognitive learning device, comprising: a first box body made of opaque material, used for shielding external interference; a second box body made of transparent material, used for placing a measured object; the volume of the second box body is smaller than that of the first box body, and the second box body is placed in the first box body; wherein one side wall of the second box body is provided with a round hole, the round hole is used for limiting the posture of the measured object in the process of visual cognitive learning of the measured object; a behavior feedback module is arranged between the first box body and the round hole of the side wall of the second box body, and is used for receiving the behavior of the measured object; a display screen is located between the first box body and the behavior feedback module, and is used for presenting a test picture to the measured object, so that the measured object watches the test picture through the round hole to perform visual cognitive learning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal behavior testing instruments, and more specifically, to a visual cognitive learning device. Background Technology

[0002] Vision is the primary way for organisms to perceive external information. For organisms, the eye is the only organ that receives external light signals. The retina, a crucial component of the eye, is located on the posterior wall of the eyeball and converts light signals into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted via the optic nerve to multiple brain regions to process light and color stimuli, thus forming vision and helping organisms effectively perceive external objects and their environment. In studies of visual cognition and its brain mechanisms, visual target discrimination, and visual working memory, rats and mice are frequently used as experimental model animals for visual cognition training. Visual cues are paired with specific rewards or punishments to establish conditioned visual associations between specific visual cues and specific behaviors, enabling animals to exhibit specific behaviors even when only receiving visual cue stimuli.

[0003] Existing visual cognitive learning devices are usually experimental boxes with displays, in which rats and mice can move freely. However, it cannot be guaranteed that the rats and mice are observing the visual stimuli at the exact moment they appear. Furthermore, the position of the rats and mice when the visual stimuli are presented is not fixed, and the position of the animal's head is not significantly reproducible in behavioral experiments, which will affect the visual learning effect of the rats and mice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0005] The present invention provides a visual cognitive learning device for at least partially solving one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] This invention provides a visual cognitive learning device, comprising: a first housing made of an opaque material for shielding external interference; a second housing made of a transparent material for placing a test object; the second housing has a smaller volume than the first housing and is placed inside the first housing; wherein a circular hole is provided on one side wall of the second housing for restricting the posture of the test object during visual cognitive learning; a behavior feedback module disposed between the circular hole on the side wall of the first housing and the second housing for receiving the behavior of the test object; and a display screen located between the first housing and the behavior feedback module for presenting a test image to the test object, allowing the test object to view the test image through the circular hole for visual cognitive learning.

[0008] Optionally, the behavior feedback module includes: a first feedback unit, a second feedback unit, and a third feedback unit; wherein the first feedback unit, the second feedback unit, and the third feedback unit are arranged horizontally at equal intervals along the central axis of the circular hole, and the second feedback unit is used to turn on the display screen based on the touch behavior of the object being tested.

[0009] Optionally, the first feedback unit, the second feedback unit, and the third feedback unit may include at least one sensor, which is used to sense the touch behavior of the object being measured.

[0010] Optionally, the first feedback unit and the third feedback unit further include: a water nozzle and a peristaltic pump, wherein the peristaltic pump is connected to the water nozzle and the sensor is fixed at the water nozzle.

[0011] Optionally, the visual cognitive learning device also includes a sound module for playing corresponding prompts based on the behavior of the tested object.

[0012] Optionally, the visual cognitive learning device further includes: a control module, which consists of an information receiving unit, an information processing unit, and an instruction issuing unit; wherein: the information receiving unit is used to receive the behavior information of the tested object sent by the behavior feedback module; the information processing unit is used to judge the behavior of the tested object based on the behavior information and obtain the behavior judgment result; and the instruction issuing unit is used to issue target instructions based on the behavior judgment result of the tested object.

[0013] Optionally, the information receiving unit determines whether the behavior of the tested object is correct by using a preset correspondence between test images and behavioral information; when the test image matches the behavioral information, a correct behavior judgment result is obtained, and a first instruction is generated based on the behavior judgment result; when the test image does not match the behavioral information, an incorrect behavior judgment result is obtained, and a second instruction is generated based on the behavior judgment result.

[0014] Optionally, if the behavior judgment result is that the behavior is correct, the instruction issuing unit sends a first instruction to the peristaltic pump, which is used to start the peristaltic pump.

[0015] Optionally, if the behavior judgment result is a behavior error, the instruction issuing unit may send a second instruction to the sound module, which is used to cause the sound module to play an error prompt sound.

[0016] Optionally, the visual cognitive learning device also includes a camera, fixed above the second housing, for monitoring the behavior of the subject.

[0017] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0018] The visual cognitive learning device provided by this invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0019] A circular hole is set in the second housing, and the behavior feedback module and display screen are placed in front of the circular hole. This can effectively restrict the posture of the test subject and ensure that the test subject can observe the visual stimulus just when it appears, thus effectively improving the visual cognitive learning effect of the test subject. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the structure of the visual cognitive learning device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This illustration schematically shows the correspondence between test images and behavioral information in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 The diagram illustrating the correspondence between test images and behavioral information is shown in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1-First enclosure; 2-Second enclosure; 3-Behavioral feedback module; 4-Display screen; 5-Round hole; 6-Camera. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "length", "circumferential", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the subsystem or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0029] Throughout the accompanying drawings, identical elements are represented by the same or similar reference numerals. Conventional structures or configurations may be omitted where they might cause confusion in understanding the invention. Furthermore, the shapes, sizes, and positional relationships of the components in the drawings do not reflect actual size, scale, or actual positional relationships. Additionally, any reference numerals placed between parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims.

[0030] Similarly, to simplify the invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various disclosed aspects, in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. The use of terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicates that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] The purpose of this invention is to provide a visual cognitive learning device. A circular hole is provided in the second housing, and the behavioral feedback module and the display screen are placed in front of the circular hole. This can effectively restrict the posture of the test subject and ensure that the test subject can observe the visual stimulus just when it appears, thereby effectively improving the visual learning effect of the test subject.

[0033] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the structure of the visual cognitive learning device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, the visual cognitive learning device may include, for example, a first housing 1, a second housing 2, a behavioral feedback module 3, and a display screen 4.

[0035] The first enclosure 1 is made of opaque material to shield external interference, allowing the test subject to focus on visual cognitive learning and avoid distraction due to external interference.

[0036] The second chamber 2 is used to place the test subject, which can be a rat or a mouse. The volume of the second chamber is smaller than that of the first chamber, and it is placed inside the first chamber. The second chamber is made of a transparent material (e.g., an acrylic sheet) to facilitate monitoring of the behavior of the test subject by the experimenter.

[0037] A circular hole 5 is provided on one of the side walls of the second housing 2. The circular hole 5 is used to restrict the posture of the test object during the visual cognitive learning process.

[0038] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the circular hole is only enough for the head of the test subject to extend out of the second box and touch the behavior feedback module. The body of the test subject cannot pass through the circular hole and remains inside the second box. This restricts the head posture of the test subject, so that the head of the test subject is facing the display screen during the visual cognitive learning process. This allows the test subject to observe the visual stimulus in a timely manner during the presentation of the visual stimulus, thereby improving the efficiency of the test subject's visual cognitive learning.

[0039] Compared to existing visual cognitive learning devices that do not fix the head of the test subject, the circular hole set in the visual cognitive learning device of this invention can restrict the posture of the test subject when the test subject actively triggers the visual cognitive learning process, ensuring that the test subject can effectively receive visual stimuli, enabling the test subject to perform visual cognitive learning, avoiding the situation where the test subject does not observe the visual stimuli, and improving the visual cognitive learning efficiency of the test subject.

[0040] A behavior feedback module 3, used to receive the behavior of the object being measured, is disposed between the circular holes 5 on the side walls of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. The behavior feedback module includes at least a first feedback unit, a second feedback unit, and a third feedback unit. The first, second, and third feedback units are arranged laterally at equal intervals along the central axis of the circular holes 5. Each of the first, second, and third feedback units includes at least a sensor, which senses the behavior of the object being measured.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second feedback unit is used to activate the display screen based on the touch behavior of the test object, thereby executing a visual cognitive learning process. For example, when a mouse licks the second feedback unit, the display screen is activated to display visual stimuli, causing the mouse to begin visual cognitive learning.

[0042] The second feedback unit can detect the current posture of the object being tested. When the second feedback unit detects the touching behavior of the object being tested, it means that the head of the object being tested is facing the display screen, that is, the object being tested can just observe the visual stimulus presented on the display screen.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first feedback unit and the third feedback unit may further include a water tap and a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump is connected to the water tap, and the sensor is fixed to the water tap. When the peristaltic pump is turned on, food rewards are released to the subject through the water tap to stimulate the subject to establish a visual-behavioral connection and complete visual cognitive learning.

[0044] The visual cognitive learning device provided by this invention further includes: a sound module for playing corresponding prompts based on the behavior of the tested object. The sound module can be a speaker or a loudspeaker.

[0045] The visual cognitive learning device provided by this invention further includes a control module. This control module comprises an information receiving unit, an information processing unit, and an instruction issuing unit. Specifically: the information receiving unit receives behavioral information of the tested object sent by the behavioral feedback module; the information processing unit judges the behavior of the tested object based on the behavioral information to obtain a behavioral judgment result; and the instruction issuing unit issues a target instruction based on the behavioral judgment result of the tested object.

[0046] In some embodiments, when the information receiving unit receives the behavior information of the tested object sent by the behavior module, it further transmits the behavior information to the information processing unit, which then determines whether the behavior of the tested object is correct. The behavior information includes: the name of the touched behavior feedback unit and the duration of the touch.

[0047] The information processing unit determines whether the behavior of the tested object is correct by using a preset correspondence between test images and behavioral information. When the test image and behavioral information correspond, a correct behavior judgment result is obtained; when the test image and behavioral information do not correspond, an incorrect behavior judgment result is obtained.

[0048] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the correspondence between test images and behavioral information in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the correspondence between test images and behavioral information can be, for example, as follows: when the test image displays a square, it corresponds to the first feedback unit; when the test image displays a ring, it corresponds to the third feedback unit. When a square test image is displayed on the screen, if the behavioral information received by the information processing unit is that the mouse licks the first feedback unit and the continuous licking time exceeds a preset time (the preset time can be, for example, 100ms), then a correct behavioral judgment result is obtained. When a ring-shaped test image is displayed on the screen, if the behavioral information received by the information processing unit is that the mouse licks the third feedback unit and the continuous licking time exceeds a preset time (the preset time can be, for example, 100 milliseconds), then a correct behavioral judgment result is obtained. Presetting a certain length of continuous licking time can effectively ensure that the behavior is initiated by the test subject through visual cognition formed by viewing the test image, and is not a random accidental touch of the target feedback unit. When the test image and behavioral information do not correspond, an incorrect behavioral judgment result is obtained. In addition, if no behavioral information is received within the specified time, that is, if the mouse does not respond after the start of the experiment, the judgment result of behavioral error will also be obtained. The specified time is consistent with the presentation time of the test image, for example, it can be defaulted to 20 seconds.

[0050] Figure 3 The diagram illustrating the correspondence between test images and behavioral information is shown in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the correspondence between test images and behavioral information can be as follows: After visual cognitive learning begins, a circular image will randomly appear on the screen. The side of the screen where the circle appears corresponds to the corresponding behavioral feedback unit. For example, when the circle appears on the left side of the screen, the corresponding behavioral feedback unit is the first feedback unit. At this time, if the information processing unit receives behavioral information indicating that the mouse licks the first feedback unit for more than a preset time (the preset time can be, for example, 100ms), a correct behavioral judgment result is obtained. When the circle appears on the right side of the screen, the corresponding behavioral feedback unit is the third feedback unit. At this time, if the information processing unit receives behavioral information indicating that the mouse licks the third feedback unit for more than a preset time (the preset time can be, for example, 100ms), a correct behavioral judgment result is obtained. When the test image and behavioral information do not correspond, an incorrect behavioral judgment result is obtained. In addition, if no behavioral information is received within a specified time, that is, if the mouse does not react after the experiment begins, an incorrect behavioral judgment result will also be obtained. The specified time is consistent with the test image presentation time, for example, it can be defaulted to 20 seconds.

[0052] The instruction issuing unit is used to receive the behavior judgment results sent by the information processing unit and issue target instructions based on the behavior judgment results of the object under test.

[0053] In some embodiments, when the behavior is judged to be correct, the instruction issuing unit sends an activation command to the peristaltic pump of the corresponding behavior feedback unit. The activated peristaltic pump then releases a corresponding food reward (such as milk or sugar water) to the mouse through the water nozzle, allowing the mouse to automatically receive a reward when it licks the feedback unit. This establishes a connection between visual stimulation and reward, enabling the mouse to receive positive feedback after performing the correct behavior based on visual cognition. This positive feedback strengthens the mouse's visual cognition, leading to better learning outcomes. Furthermore, when the behavior is judged to be correct, the instruction issuing unit can also send a corresponding playback command to the sound module, causing the sound module to play a correct prompt tone. This correct prompt tone is a soft sound with a decibel level within the mouse's suitable hearing range.

[0054] In some embodiments, when the behavior judgment result is a behavior error, the instruction issuing unit sends a corresponding playback instruction to the sound module, causing the sound module to play an error prompt sound. The error prompt sound is a harsh sound, exceeding the mouse's suitable hearing range in decibels, and designed to cause the mouse distress. Furthermore, when the behavior judgment result is a behavior error, the instruction issuing unit can also send a flashing instruction to the display screen, causing the display screen to flash in sync with the error prompt sound.

[0055] The visual cognitive learning device provided by this invention further includes a microcontroller for controlling the operation of the device. The control module is stored within the microcontroller, and the behavior feedback module, display screen, and sound module are all connected to the microcontroller via communication interfaces. Furthermore, the microcontroller stores and runs control software written in a computer programming language, which is used to construct the experimental flow of visual cognitive learning.

[0056] The visual cognitive learning device provided by the present invention further includes: a camera 6, fixed above the second housing 2, for enabling technicians to monitor the behavior of the tested object in real time.

[0057] In practice, the test subject triggers the display screen 4 to present a visual object by licking the second feedback unit. Based on the visual stimulus image displayed on the display screen 4, the subject performs corresponding behaviors. When the test subject behaves correctly, food is released as a reward, establishing positive feedback. When the test subject behaves incorrectly, a jarring sound and a flashing screen are used as punishment. The visual cognitive learning device provided by this invention establishes a conditional visual association between specific visual cues and specific behaviors by pairing visual cues with specific rewards or punishments. Through visual cognitive learning, the test subject can exhibit specific behaviors even when only receiving visual cue stimuli.

[0058] Furthermore, the visual cognitive learning device provided by the present invention provides a circular hole 5 on the side wall of the second housing 2, which requires the test subject to insert its head into the circular hole 5 during the cognitive learning process. This makes the head position of the test subject significantly repeatable and stable in the behavioral experiment, ensuring that the test subject's head is always facing the visual stimulus during the stimulus presentation, thereby improving the efficiency of the test subject's visual cognitive learning.

[0059] Based on the visual cognitive learning device provided by the present invention, the stability of the test subject's head can be made close to the stability of the test subject's head when the head is fixed.

[0060] Compared to directly fixing the test subject to perform visual cognitive learning, the device provided by this invention only restricts the test subject's posture when the test subject actively begins visual cognitive learning, allowing them to observe visual stimuli in a timely manner. This improves the effectiveness of visual cognitive learning while giving the test subject greater freedom. Compared to a directly fixed test subject who can only passively perform visual cognitive learning, the visual cognitive learning device provided by this invention gives the test subject greater freedom. Besides ensuring that the test subject can effectively observe visual stimuli during visual cognitive learning, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of visual cognitive learning, it also allows the test subject to actively insert their head into the circular hole to activate the display screen through contact, autonomously engaging in visual cognitive learning. This further enhances the test subject's cognitive learning ability, establishes a relationship between behavior and the initiation of cognitive learning, and trains the test subject to autonomously choose whether to initiate the learning process.

[0061] The specific embodiments described above provide a more detailed explanation of the technical solution of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A visual cognitive learning device, characterized in that, include: The first enclosure (1) is made of opaque material and is used to shield external interference; The second box (2) is made of transparent material and is used to place the test object. The volume of the second box (2) is smaller than that of the first box (1) and is placed inside the first box (1). A circular hole (5) is provided on one side wall of the second box (2). The circular hole (5) is used to restrict the posture of the test object during the visual cognitive learning process. The area of ​​the circular hole is only enough for the head of the test object to extend out of the second box and touch the behavior feedback module, so that the head of the test object is facing the screen during the visual cognitive learning process, so that the test object can observe the visual stimulus in time during the presentation of the visual stimulus. The behavior feedback module (3) is located between the circular hole (5) on the side wall of the first box (1) and the second box (2) and is used to receive the behavior of the object being tested. The display screen (4) is located between the first housing (1) and the behavior feedback module (3) and is used to present test images to the test subject so that the test subject can view the test images through the circular hole (5) to carry out visual cognitive learning. The behavior feedback module includes a first feedback unit, a second feedback unit, and a third feedback unit. The first feedback unit, the second feedback unit, and the third feedback unit are arranged horizontally at equal intervals along the central axis of the circular hole (5). The second feedback unit is used to turn on the display screen (4) based on the touch behavior of the object being tested. The first feedback unit, the second feedback unit, and the third feedback unit include at least a sensor, which is used to sense the touch behavior of the object being tested. The first feedback unit and the third feedback unit further include: a water nozzle and a peristaltic pump, wherein the peristaltic pump is connected to the water nozzle and the sensor is fixed at the water nozzle; The device also includes a sound module for playing corresponding prompts based on the behavior of the object being tested.

2. The visual cognitive learning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: a control module, comprising an information receiving unit, an information processing unit, and an instruction issuing unit; wherein: The information receiving unit is used to receive behavioral information of the tested object sent by the behavior feedback module; The information processing unit is used to judge the behavior of the tested object based on the behavioral information and obtain the behavior judgment result; The instruction issuing unit is used to issue target instructions based on the behavior judgment results of the object under test.

3. The visual cognitive learning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The information receiving unit determines whether the behavior of the tested object is correct by matching the preset test images with the behavioral information. When the test image matches the behavioral information, a behavioral judgment result indicating that the behavior is correct is obtained, and a first instruction is generated based on the behavioral judgment result. When the test image does not match the behavior information, a behavior judgment result of behavior error is obtained, and a second instruction is generated based on the behavior judgment result.

4. The visual cognitive learning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the behavior judgment result is that the behavior is correct, the instruction issuing unit sends the first instruction to the peristaltic pump, which is used to start the peristaltic pump.

5. The visual cognitive learning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the behavior judgment result is a behavior error, the instruction issuing unit sends the second instruction to the sound module, which is used to make the sound module play an error prompt sound.

6. The visual cognitive learning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a camera (6), which is fixed above the second housing (2) for monitoring the behavior of the object being tested.

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