Backpack type mouse activity pedometer

Abstract

The invention discloses a backpack type mouse activity pedometer, which comprises a light backpack structure and a step counting module, the light backpack structure is configured on forelimbs and trunk of a mouse, the light backpack structure is used for bearing the step counting module, the light backpack structure comprises a back plate, trunk straps and forelimb straps, the back plate is made of a light material, the trunk straps are arranged on the back plate, and the forelimb straps are arranged on the back plate. The back plate is provided with a plurality of hollowed-out holes, the hollowed-out holes can reduce the weight of the back plate, the left end and the right end of the back plate are connected with trunk straps, the two trunk straps wrap the mouse from the back to the abdomen, and the close ends of the two trunk straps are connected through a buckle ring and a buckle pin. The light bearing structure avoids slipping or displacement caused by movement of the mouse through the design of the trunk straps and the forelimb straps. By adopting the hollowed-out holes, the weight reducing grooves and the modular design, the weight of the equipment is reduced while the strength of the bearing structure is guaranteed, and the equipment displacement or falling caused by mouse activity is avoided, so that the equipment can collect movement data of a mouse, and data analysis is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mouse activity monitoring, and specifically to a backpack-type mouse activity pedometer. Background Art

[0002] In scientific research work, mice are common experimental animals. Monitoring their activity levels and mental states is of great significance for studying their physiological changes, disease models, and drug effects. The activity level of mice is often an important indicator for evaluating their health status, behavioral changes, and mental states. Therefore, how to accurately and conveniently monitor the activity level and behavioral state of mice has become an important topic in experimental research.

[0003] Traditional monitoring methods, such as manual observation and video monitoring, have problems such as cumbersome operations, inaccurate data, and difficulty in quantification. Due to the small size and flexible movement of mice, methods such as manual observation and video monitoring often cannot monitor the activities of mice with high precision and in real time.

[0004] Regarding the activity monitoring of mice, after the inventor's search, the following solutions are disclosed in the prior art:

[0005] 1) Publication No. CN215017458U discloses a gait behavior analysis system for mice and rats integrating an IMU and a piezoelectric film. In this patent application, it includes an experimental environment module, a piezoelectric film data acquisition module, an IMU acquisition module, a data transmission module, and a host computer module; the experimental environment module is used to provide an activity place for experimental mice; the piezoelectric film data acquisition module is used to collect the pressure signals of the four feet of mice; the IMU acquisition module is used to collect the attitude information of mice; the data transmission module is used to package the pressure signal data collected by the piezoelectric film data acquisition module and the attitude angle data collected by the IMU acquisition module and send them to the host computer module; the host computer module is used to receive and process relevant data, and display and store them in real time. The gait behavior analysis system of the present utility model has a simple structure, low cost, good usability, can accurately measure the gait of mice, and can provide an important reference basis for the research of nervous system diseases, and has great application prospects.

[0006] 2) The published patent No. CN113470077A discloses a method for analyzing the locomotor behavior of mice in an open field experiment based on key point detection. In this patent application, it includes: (a) collecting the experimental video and determining the experimental area; (b) using a mouse key point detection model based on a convolutional neural network to detect the nose tip, left ear, right ear, and tail root of the mouse in the video image and return the key point coordinates; (c) calculating the movement distance of key points between adjacent frames and screening out abnormal key points with a distance threshold; (d) cleaning the key point coordinates, predicting the trajectory using Kalman filtering, and eliminating the influence of measurement errors; (e) determining the locomotor parameters of the mouse in the open field experiment from the calculated key point coordinates and generating relevant graphical reports. The method for analyzing the locomotor behavior of mice in an open field experiment based on key point detection of the present invention has strong robustness, has strong anti-interference ability for environmental changes, light changes, etc., greatly simplifies the process of analyzing ethological indicators, and this ethological analysis method is convenient, comprehensive, and precise.

[0007] However, the above existing solutions still have some limitations, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

[0008] Limited monitoring range: Although the IMU and piezoelectric film system (such as the technical solution of the published patent No. CN215017458U) can collect the gait and posture information of mice, its application scenarios and equipment limitations are relatively large. This system depends on a specific experimental environment, and has a strong dependence on the equipment layout and the behavior of mice, and may not be able to achieve efficient monitoring in all-weather and wide scenarios. In addition, the complexity and hardware settings of this system may affect the convenience and flexibility of the experiment.

[0009] Complicated operation and cumbersome data processing: The video monitoring system based on key point detection (such as the technical solution of the published patent No. CN113470077A) depends on the collection and analysis of video images. This requires a high-performance computer and a complicated software processing process. Although this method has certain robustness and anti-interference ability, due to its dependence on video image data, it has high computing resource requirements, and there may be delays in real-time monitoring and data analysis. The processes of collecting, cleaning, and analyzing video images require a large amount of post-processing, and may not be suitable for experimental scenarios that require quick feedback.

[0010] Complicated equipment and may affect mouse behavior: The IMU and piezoelectric film modules usually require complex equipment to be worn on the mice, which may increase the discomfort of the mice and may interfere with the activity behavior of the mice, affecting the authenticity of the experiment and the reliability of the data.

[0011] Limited to monitoring specific types of activities: Some existing technologies mainly monitor the gait behavior or movement trajectory of mice, but it is difficult to monitor the overall activity level of mice in real time and accurately.

[0012] Lack of modularity and convenience: Most existing solutions cannot provide sufficient convenience and flexibility. Equipment often requires complex installation, setup, and post - data analysis, making it difficult for long - term monitoring or real - time feedback.

[0013] To address the above - mentioned deficiencies, researchers urgently need a lightweight, accurate, and mouse - activity - non - interfering pedometer for mice. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a backpack - type mouse activity pedometer. By adopting hollow holes, weight - reduction grooves, and modular design, while ensuring the strength of the backpack structure, the weight of the device is reduced, and device displacement or detachment caused by mouse activity is avoided. At the same time, the modular design of the micro - sensor unit and the transmission unit enables the device to accurately collect the movement data of mice, facilitating data analysis and research.

[0015] To achieve the above - mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A backpack - type mouse activity pedometer includes a lightweight backpack structure and a pedometer module. The lightweight backpack structure is configured on the forelimbs and torso of the mouse and is used to carry the pedometer module. The lightweight backpack structure includes a back panel, torso straps, and forelimb straps. The back panel is made of lightweight material and is provided with a plurality of hollow holes, which can reduce the weight of the back panel. The left and right ends of the back panel are connected with torso straps, and the two torso straps wrap around from the back to the abdomen of the mouse. The adjacent ends of the two torso straps are connected by buckles and pins. The lightweight backpack structure avoids slippage or displacement due to mouse activity through the design of torso straps and forelimb straps.

[0016] Preferably, both the torso straps and the forelimb straps are made of anti - chewing materials. This design can effectively prevent mice from chewing on the straps, extend the service life of the device, and improve stability. Anti - chewing materials not only improve the durability of the device but also reduce the risk of the device being damaged during the experiment. Especially when mice have a chewing behavior on the straps, it can effectively prevent the straps from breaking or being damaged due to chewing. Anti - chewing materials can be selected from high - strength, wear - resistant synthetic materials (such as TPE, nylon braiding, etc.), which have good softness and tensile strength, and can also ensure that the mice will not feel discomfort when wearing. Through this design, the device is more durable and stable during use.

[0017] Preferably, the pedometer module includes a micro - battery, a gasket bracket, a micro - sensor unit, and a transmission unit. The micro - battery is embedded inside the gasket bracket, and the gasket bracket is installed on the back panel. The micro - sensor unit can accurately monitor the steps, movement direction, and posture changes of the mouse, ensuring the accuracy of step counting and activity analysis.

[0018] Preferably, slots are provided on both sides at the front end of the backplate. The forelimb harness includes a forelimb loop and a connecting strap. A plastic sliding piece is provided at the front end of the connecting strap and extends into the slot and is slidably connected therein. The rear end of the connecting strap is connected to the forelimb loop, and the forelimb loop is made of an elastic self-expanding material and is sleeved on the forelimbs of the mouse. The elastic self-expanding material of the forelimb harness can ensure comfort during the wearing process, adapt to mice of different body sizes, and avoid excessive friction or discomfort.

[0019] Preferably, both the buckle and the pin are made of plastic material, which reduces the overall weight.

[0020] Preferably, the middle parts at the left and right ends of the backplate are recessed inward to form a first weight-reducing groove. A row of card slots is provided in the middle of the first weight-reducing groove. The bottom of the backplate is recessed inward to form a second weight-reducing groove. The backplate adopts a lightweight carrying structure, and a plurality of hollow holes are provided on the backplate. Through this design, the weight of the backplate is effectively reduced. In addition, the design of the first weight-reducing groove and the second weight-reducing groove can further reduce the weight of the backplate without affecting its bearing capacity. Through the weight-reducing design of the carrying structure, the overall weight of the pedometer is effectively controlled, making it more comfortable to wear and not significantly interfering with the activities of the mouse.

[0021] Preferably, clamping posts are connected to the left and right ends of the gasket bracket, and the clamping posts cooperate with the card slots in the middle of the left and right ends of the backplate. Through the design of the clamping posts and the card slots, components such as the micro-sensor unit and the transmission unit can be conveniently installed and disassembled, improving the modular level.

[0022] Preferably, two groups of T-shaped inserts are provided in the second weight-reducing groove. The two groups of T-shaped inserts are arranged in parallel and form a long installation groove therebetween. The micro-sensor unit and the transmission unit are slidably connected and fixed to the long installation groove through sliding inserts and fasteners. The design of the sliding inserts for the micro-sensor unit and the transmission unit facilitates installation and disassembly.

[0023] Preferably, the micro-sensor unit includes at least an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, and a gravity sensor. The transmission unit adopts wireless transmission technologies such as Bluetooth / WiFi / ZigBee, enabling the movement data of the mouse to be transmitted to remote devices in real time, such as a computer, a mobile phone, or an experimental monitoring system, facilitating researchers to monitor the activity status and behavior data of the mouse in real time.

[0024] Preferably, the installation height of the micro-sensor unit and the transmission unit is lower than the height of the second weight-reducing groove, avoiding interference between the sensors and other structures and ensuring the stable performance of their functions.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0026] By adopting hollow holes, weight reduction grooves and modular design, the present invention reduces the weight of the device while ensuring the strength of the carrying structure, and avoids the displacement or detachment of the device caused by the movement of the mouse. At the same time, the modular design of the micro sensor unit and the transmission unit enables the device to accurately collect the movement data of the mouse, facilitating data analysis and research. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention when unfolded;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the state of the present invention when carried on a mouse;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the lightweight carrying structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the back plate and the weight reduction groove in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the position of the step counting module in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0032] In the figure:

[0033] 1, lightweight carrying structure; 101, back plate; 101a, first weight reduction groove; 101b, second weight reduction groove; 101c, card slot; 102, torso strap; 103, front limb strap; 104, T-shaped insert.

[0034] 2, step counting module; 201, micro battery; 202, gasket bracket; 203, micro sensor unit; 204, transmission unit; 205, card post. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "vertical", "upper", "lower", "horizontal", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "couple" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 - Figure 2 , the present invention provides a technical solution: a backpack-type mouse activity pedometer, which includes a lightweight backpack structure 1 and a pedometer module 2.

[0039] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1 - Figure 4 , in this embodiment, the lightweight backpack structure 1 is configured on the forelimbs and torso of the mouse. The lightweight backpack structure 1 is used to carry the pedometer module 2. The lightweight backpack structure 1 includes a back plate 101, a torso strap 102, and a forelimb strap 103. Among them, the back plate 101 is made of lightweight material, and there are a plurality of hollow holes on the back plate 101. The hollow holes can reduce the weight of the back plate 101. The left and right ends of the back plate 101 are connected with the torso strap 102. The two torso straps 102 wrap around from the back to the abdomen of the mouse, and the adjacent ends of the two torso straps 102 are connected by a buckle and a pin.

[0040] In this embodiment, grooves are opened on both sides of the front end of the back plate 101. The forelimb strap 103 includes a forelimb loop and a connecting strap. The front end of the connecting strap is provided with a plastic sliding piece that extends into the groove and is slidably connected. The rear end of the connecting strap is connected to the forelimb loop. The forelimb loop is made of an elastic self-expanding material and is sleeved on the forelimbs of the mouse. The elastic self-expanding material of the forelimb strap 103 can ensure the comfort during the wearing process and adapt to mice of different body types, avoiding excessive friction or discomfort. The lightweight backpack structure 1 avoids slipping or displacement due to the activities of the mouse through the design of the torso strap 102 and the forelimb strap 103.

[0041] In this embodiment, both the buckle and the pin are made of plastic material, which reduces the overall weight.

[0042] In this embodiment, the middle parts of the left and right ends of the back plate 101 are recessed inward to form a first weight-reducing groove 101a. A row of card slots 101c is provided in the middle of the first weight-reducing groove 101a. The bottom of the back plate 101 is recessed inward to form a second weight-reducing groove 101b. The back plate 101 adopts a lightweight back-carrying structure 1, and a plurality of hollow holes are provided on the back plate 101. Through this design, the weight of the back plate 101 is effectively reduced. In addition, the design of the first weight-reducing groove 101a and the second weight-reducing groove 101b can further reduce the weight of the back plate 101 without affecting its bearing capacity. Through the weight-reducing design of the back-carrying structure, the overall weight of the pedometer is effectively controlled, making it more comfortable to wear and not significantly interfering with the activities of the mice.

[0043] In this embodiment, two groups of T-shaped inserts 104 are provided in the second weight-reducing groove 101b. The two groups of T-shaped inserts 104 are arranged in parallel and a long installation groove is formed between them.

[0044] In this embodiment, both the torso strap 102 and the forelimb strap 103 are made of anti-chewing material. This design can effectively prevent the mice from chewing the straps, extend the service life of the device and improve its stability. The anti-chewing material not only improves the durability of the device but also reduces the risk of the device being damaged during the experiment. Especially when the mice have a chewing behavior on the straps, it can effectively avoid the straps from breaking or being damaged due to chewing. The anti-chewing material can be selected from high-strength and wear-resistant synthetic materials (such as TPE, nylon braiding, etc.), which have good flexibility and tensile strength, and can also ensure that the mice will not feel discomfort when wearing. Through this design, the device is more durable and stable during use.

[0045] In addition, the lightweight back-carrying structure 1 and the adjustable forelimb strap 103 design of Embodiment 1, in addition to being applicable to mice, can also be adapted to other small animals (such as rats, rabbits, etc.) by adjusting the length of the straps and the elastic materials. This design can be widely used in the motion monitoring of animal behavior experiments.

[0046] Embodiment 2: Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 5 In this embodiment, the pedometer module 2 includes a micro battery 201, a gasket bracket 202, a micro sensor unit 203 and a transmission unit 204. Among them, the micro battery 201 is embedded inside the gasket bracket 202, and the gasket bracket 202 is installed on the back plate 101. The micro sensor unit 203 can accurately monitor the steps, movement direction and posture changes of the mice to ensure the accuracy of step counting and activity analysis.

[0047] In this embodiment, the micro-sensor unit 203 and the transmission unit 204 are slidably connected and fixed to the long installation groove through sliding inserts and fasteners. The design of the sliding inserts for the micro-sensor unit 203 and the transmission unit 204 facilitates installation and disassembly.

[0048] In this embodiment, clamping posts 205 are connected to the left and right ends of the gasket bracket 202, and the clamping posts 205 cooperate with the card slots 101c in the middle of the left and right ends of the back plate 101. Through the design of the clamping posts 205 and the card slots 101c, components such as the micro-sensor unit 203 and the transmission unit 204 can be conveniently installed and disassembled, improving the modular level.

[0049] In this embodiment, the micro-sensor unit 203 includes at least an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, and a gravity sensor, and the transmission unit 204 uses wireless transmission technologies such as Bluetooth / WiFi / ZigBee, enabling the movement data of the mouse to be transmitted to remote devices in real time, such as a computer, a mobile phone, or an experimental monitoring system, facilitating researchers to monitor the activity status and behavior data of the mouse in real time.

[0050] In this embodiment, the installation height of the micro-sensor unit 203 and the transmission unit 204 is lower than the height of the second weight reduction groove 101b, avoiding interference between the sensor and other structures and ensuring the stable performance of its functions.

[0051] In addition, in Embodiment 2, in addition to the acceleration sensor, the gyroscope, and the gravity sensor, more sensors can be integrated, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a heart rate sensor, etc. These additional sensors can provide more comprehensive data monitoring, helping researchers understand the behavioral changes of mice under different environmental conditions. For example, the temperature sensor can monitor the temperature changes in the mouse's surrounding environment, the humidity sensor can help monitor the humidity conditions of the mouse's activities, and the heart rate sensor can be used to detect the physiological state of the mouse. Integrating more sensors enables the device to adapt to more complex experimental requirements. For example, in different experimental environments, the temperature, humidity, or other specific physiological parameters can be selected for monitoring according to needs, providing more accurate data support for different scientific research projects.

[0052] Combining Embodiments 1 and 2, the present invention also provides the usage steps and methods of the above pedometer, including the following:

[0053] 1) Install the pedometer:

[0054] 1.1) Assemble the back structure to ensure that the design of the hollow holes, weight reduction grooves, etc. of the back plate 101 is intact;

[0055] 1.2) Put the front limb strap 103 on the front limbs of the mouse and adjust the size through the elastic self-expanding material to ensure comfort and stability;

[0056] 1.3) Use a buckle and a pin to fix the torso harness 102 on the back of the mouse to ensure a stable carrying structure.

[0057] 2) Install the pedometer module 2:

[0058] 2.1) Install the micro-sensor unit 203 and the transmission unit 204 into the long installation groove on the back plate 101 and fix them with sliding inserts and fasteners;

[0059] 2.2) Ensure that the height of the sensor unit and the transmission unit 204 is lower than the top of the second weight reduction groove 101b to avoid interference;

[0060] 2.3) Install the micro-battery 201 inside the gasket bracket 202 to ensure correct connection of the battery to other modules.

[0061] 3) Connect the wireless transmission device:

[0062] Configure the wireless transmission function of the transmission unit 204 (such as Bluetooth, WiFi or ZigBee) to ensure that the device can be paired with a computer, mobile phone or experimental monitoring system.

[0063] 4) Test and calibrate:

[0064] Turn on the pedometer and conduct a preliminary test to confirm that the sensor unit can accurately monitor the mouse's steps, movement direction and posture changes; calibrate the sensor to ensure the accuracy of step counting and activity analysis.

[0065] 5) Data collection and monitoring:

[0066] During the mouse's activity, transmit the motion data to a remote device in real time via wireless transmission to facilitate researchers to monitor the mouse's activity status and behavioral data in real time.

[0067] The standard parts used in the present invention can all be purchased from the market. The special-shaped parts can be customized according to the description in the specification and the drawings. The specific connection methods of each part all adopt conventional means such as bolts, rivets, welding, etc. that are mature in the prior art. The machines, parts and equipment all adopt conventional models in the prior art. In addition, the circuit connection adopts the conventional connection method in the prior art, which will not be elaborated here. The content not described in detail in this specification belongs to the prior art well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0068] In the description of the present invention, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. The meaning of "plurality" is two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A backpack-type mouse activity pedometer, comprising a lightweight backpack structure (1) and a pedometer module (2), characterized in that: A lightweight carrying structure (1) is arranged on the forelimbs and trunk of a mouse. The lightweight carrying structure (1) is used to carry a pedometer module (2). The lightweight carrying structure (1) comprises a back plate (101), a trunk strap (102) and a forelimb strap (103), wherein the back plate (101) is made of a lightweight material and is provided with a plurality of hollow holes. The left and right ends of the back plate (101) are connected to the trunk straps (102). The two trunk straps (102) are wrapped along the back to the abdomen of the mouse, and the adjacent ends of the two trunk straps (102) are connected by buckles and pins. The pedometer module (2) comprises a micro battery (201), a gasket bracket (202), a micro sensor unit (203) and a transmission unit (204), wherein the micro battery (201) is embedded in the inner side of the gasket bracket (202), and the gasket bracket (202) is mounted on the back plate (101).

2. A backpack-type mouse activity pedometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Grooves are provided on both sides of the front end of the back plate (101), and the forelimb strap (103) includes a forelimb ring and a connecting belt. The front end of the connecting belt is provided with a plastic slide that extends into the groove and slides into the groove, and the rear end of the connecting belt is connected to the forelimb ring. The forelimb ring is made of elastic self-stretching material and is put on the mouse forelimb.

3. A backpack-type mouse activity pedometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buckle ring and buckle pin are both made of plastic.

4. The backpack-type mouse activity pedometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle of the left and right ends of the back plate (101) are recessed inwards to form a first weight-reducing groove (101a), a row of clamping grooves (101c) are provided in the middle of the first weight-reducing groove (101a), and the bottom of the back plate (101) is recessed inwards to form a second weight-reducing groove (101b).

5. The backpack-type mouse activity pedometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left and right ends of the gasket bracket (202) are connected with clamping columns (205), and the clamping columns (205) cooperate with the clamping grooves (101c) in the middle of the left and right ends of the back plate (101).

6. The backpack-type mouse activity pedometer according to claim 4, characterized in that: Two groups of T-shaped inserts (104) are arranged in the second weight-reducing groove (101b), and the two groups of T-shaped inserts (104) are arranged in parallel and form a long installation groove therebetween. The micro sensor unit (203) and the transmission unit (204) are slidably connected and fixed to the long installation groove via sliding inserts and fasteners.

7. A backpack-type mouse activity pedometer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The micro sensor unit (203) comprises at least an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope and a gravity sensor, and the transmission unit (204) is a wireless transmitter based on Bluetooth / WiFi / ZigBee.

8. The backpack-type mouse activity pedometer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The installation height of the micro sensor unit (203) and the transmission unit (204) is lower than the height of the second weight reduction groove (101b).

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