Device and method for distinguishing adaptive behaviors of mouse musical scales based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for distinguishing adaptive behaviors of a mouse musical scale based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation. The device and the method are composed of an acoustic stimulation generation module, a behavior response acquisition module and a self-adaptive decision control module, an acoustic stimulation sequence of discrete frequency scales is acquired, and a multi-modal parameter coordinated regulation and control system is constructed in combination with an Arduino development environment; on the basis of an embedded signal control circuit, an autonomously designed closed-loop feedback control unit and a multi-channel acoustic signal generation device are integrated, and a musical scale-behavior associated quantitative model based on operational conditioned reflex is established through a two-stage experimental process of'progressive adaptive training-stepped threshold verification '. The method has the function of synchronously detecting auditory cortex frequency coding precision and prefrontal cortex decision ring synaptic plasticity, and a novel experimental tool is provided for quantitative evaluation of neurodegenerative disease central auditory dysfunction and research on a decision-related neural circuit plasticity mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of neurobehavioral research equipment, and in particular relates to a device and method for adaptive behavior of mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation. Background Art

[0002] Auditory stimulation technology is a key tool in neuroscience and behavioral research, especially in rodent models. Precisely controllable auditory stimulation devices are of irreplaceable value in exploring visual pathway mechanisms, cognitive behavior, and neurological disease models. Traditional mouse auditory stimulation systems usually rely on computer-controlled display devices, which perform poorly in terms of the accuracy and stability of stimulation parameters and are easily affected by factors such as the operation of other programs within the system and external environmental interference. It is difficult to ensure that the preset stimulation conditions can be maintained for a long time and with high precision. Secondly, the stimulation mode of this type of system is single, making it difficult to achieve diversified and personalized experimental designs based on different research needs. In addition, the poor compatibility of existing equipment leads to serious obstacles in data interaction and collaborative work with other monitoring and recording equipment, making it impossible to achieve efficient multi-device linkage, thereby limiting the depth and breadth of research. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and to provide a device and method for adaptive behavior of mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation.

[0004] The innovation of this invention lies in its modular design, enabling quantitative analysis of auditory discrimination behavior and establishing a quantitative behavioral paradigm based on operant conditioning. This device effectively overcomes the technical bottlenecks of traditional auditory behavioral analysis devices in terms of structural complexity and experimental repeatability. It can simultaneously detect the frequency encoding accuracy of the auditory cortex and the synaptic plasticity of the prefrontal cortex decision loop, providing a new experimental tool for quantitatively assessing central auditory dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and studying the plasticity mechanisms of decision-making neural circuits.

[0005] The specific technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0006] 1. A Behavioral Adaptive Device for Mouse Scale Discrimination Based on Discrete-Frequency Acoustic Stimulation

[0007] The system includes an Arduino IDE programmable control unit, a signal input port, a main control unit, a programmable acoustic generator, and an execution unit; the execution unit includes a water pump, a broadband sound alarm, and a touch-sensitive sensor (a capacitive sensor with a sensitivity of 0.05g contact force); the Arduino IDE programmable control unit is connected to the main control unit via a circuit, and the water pump, broadband sound alarm, and touch-sensitive sensor are respectively connected to the main control unit via circuits; the programmable acoustic generator is used to generate discrete frequency acoustic stimuli according to a preset Python program; the Arduino IDE programmable control unit sends corresponding control instructions to the main control unit via the signal input port, and the main control unit controls the water pump, broadband sound alarm, and monitors the status of the touch-sensitive sensor according to the control instructions, thereby realizing reward and punishment functions and feedback functions.

[0008] The device also includes an adjustable platform, on which the mouse is secured. The adjustable platform is equipped with a piano keyboard, each key of which is equipped with a touch-sensitive sensor. The mouse selects different notes by pressing different piano keys. The main control unit uses an Arduino Uno R3 development board, which controls the following functional units: a programmable acoustic generator, a touch-sensitive sensor, a water pump, and a broadband sound alarm. The Arduino IDE programmable control unit is burned into the Arduino Uno R3 development board. The Arduino IDE programmable control unit includes a pin assignment protocol, a timing control function, and a serial port data acquisition module.

[0009] The electrical connection between the execution unit and the main control board is achieved by executing the pin allocation protocol, and the hardware initialization protocol is executed to put each execution unit in an inactive state.

[0010] The timing control function includes a first type of function, a second type of function and a third type of function: the parameters of the first type of function include the sound stimulation start time and the sound stimulation end time, which are used to define the sound stimulation start time and the sound stimulation trigger interval; the parameters of the second type of function include the water pump start time and the water pump off time, which are used to define the duration of the liquid reward; the parameters of the third type of function include the training pause time and the training start time, which are used to define the training stage switching threshold.

[0011] During the operation of the device, the serial port data acquisition module is synchronously started to accurately record the state switching events of each execution unit through time stamp coding.

[0012] 2. A method for adaptive behavior of scale discrimination in mice based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation

[0013] The method includes a training phase and a testing phase; the training phase adopts a dynamic frequency difference decrement strategy to induce mice to establish a scale-pedal pressing association behavior through a real-time behavioral feedback mechanism; the testing phase tests the trained mice by randomly playing different scale sequences to achieve a precise association between scale and pedal pressing behavior; during the testing phase, the activity signals of the mouse auditory cortex neurons are simultaneously extracted to provide data for subsequent research on the mouse auditory stimulation decision-making behavior.

[0014] The specific steps of the training phase are as follows: a programmable acoustic generator outputs acoustic stimuli with decreasing frequency differences, and the mouse triggers the touch-sensitive sensor by touching the piano keys within a set response window (within the training cycle), thereby triggering the corresponding reinforcement mechanism; the reinforcement mechanism is specifically as follows: if the mouse selects the correct note corresponding to the acoustic stimulus, the water pump is synchronously triggered to accurately deliver a set amount (4μL±0.5μL) of pure water; otherwise, the negative control module, namely the broadband sound alarm, is activated, and a penalty signal is continuously emitted for a set duration (2s±50ms);

[0015] The test phase is specifically as follows: a programmable acoustic generator randomly plays a minor scale or a major scale. If the mouse reproduces the same scale sequence as the played scale by touching the piano keys, the water pump is synchronously triggered to accurately deliver a set amount (4μL±0.5μL) of pure water; otherwise, the negative control module, namely the broadband sound alarm, is activated, and a penalty signal is continuously emitted for 2s±50ms.

[0016] A delay compensation mechanism was configured during the training and testing phases. If the cumulative water supply did not reach the preset threshold, the mice were replenished with water 1 hour after the end of the training cycle. The termination condition for the target training during the training phase was: the correct response rate was ≥70% within three consecutive training cycles.

[0017] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0018] The present invention innovatively constructs an adaptive behavioral device and method for mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation. Compared with traditional auditory stimulation devices, it improves the stability of stimulation conditions and integrates a multimodal acoustic parameter dynamic control architecture to achieve millisecond-level real-time correction of frequency and amplitude parameters and seamless switching of stimulation paradigms; the system sets a standardized SPI / I2C digital communication interface protocol, supports synchronous acquisition and time-locked analysis of multi-source experimental data with experimental instruments such as neural electrophysiological recording systems and motion trajectory tracking equipment, and constructs a full-dimensional behavior-neural correlation analysis platform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the mouse scale discrimination adaptive behavior device based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation provided by the present invention.

[0020] In the figure: Arduino IDE programmable control unit (1), signal input port (2), main control unit (Arduino UNO R3 development board) (3), programmable acoustic generator (4), water pump (5), broadband sound alarm (6), touch-sensitive sensor (7)

[0021] Figure 2 It is a flow chart of the adaptive behavior method for mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation provided by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0023] like Figure 1 Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the device and method for adaptive behavioral scale discrimination in mice based on discrete-frequency acoustic stimulation. Compared to traditional auditory stimulation devices, this device utilizes the Arduino Uno R3 platform to achieve precise discrete-frequency acoustic control, avoiding the fluctuations in stimulation conditions caused by internal system programs and external environmental interference in traditional devices. Furthermore, the modular design enables dynamic adjustment of acoustic parameters and supports rapid switching between multimodal stimulation paradigms. Furthermore, the device seamlessly integrates with other monitoring and recording equipment, enabling efficient data exchange and collaborative work, building a complete experimental system and improving research efficiency.

[0024] The present invention provides a mouse scale discrimination adaptive behavior device based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation, comprising an Arduino IDE programmable control unit 1, a signal input port 2, a main control unit (Arduino Uno R3 development board) 3, a programmable acoustic generator 4, a water pump 5, a broadband sound alarm 6, and a touch-sensitive sensor (capacitive sensor with a sensitivity of 0.05g contact force) 7. The Arduino IDE programmable control unit 1 is connected to the Arduino development board 3 via a circuit, and the water pump 5, the broadband sound alarm 6, and the touch-sensitive sensor 7 are respectively connected to the Arduino development board 3 via circuits. The programmable acoustic generator 4 generates sound stimulation of a certain frequency according to a preset Python program. At the same time, the Arduino IDE programmable control unit 1 sends corresponding control instructions to the main control unit (Arduino Uno R3 development board) through the signal input port 2. The main control unit (Arduino Uno R3 development board) 3 controls the water pump 5 and the broadband sound alarm 6 and monitors the status of the touch-sensitive sensor 7 accordingly, thereby realizing reward and punishment functions and feedback functions.

[0025] Programmable acoustic generator (bandwidth 1-40kHz, total harmonic distortion <0.1%), touch-sensitive sensor (contact force detection threshold 0.1g), and closed-loop reinforcement system (including liquid reinforcement module (water pump: 4μL±0.5μL), broadband acoustic warning module (broadband sound alarm: 2-10kHz white noise, 75dB SPL))

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, a device and method for adaptive behavior of scale discrimination in mice based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation, the specific steps are as follows:

[0027] (a) Hardware-software collaborative implementation of the embedded control system: Integrated control of the touch sensor, water pump, and broadband sound stimulator is achieved based on the Arduino IDE development platform. During the hardware interface configuration phase, a pin assignment protocol is used to establish electrical connections between the actuators and the main control board. A hardware initialization protocol is then executed to inactivate each actuator. A modular timing control function defines core parameters such as the sound stimulation trigger interval, liquid reward duration, and the training phase switching threshold. During system operation, a serial port data acquisition module is synchronously activated to accurately record each actuator state transition event using timestamp encoding.

[0028] (b) Integration of a Multimodal Behavior Control Device: This device is based on a modular closed-loop control architecture, with a master control unit at its core for simultaneous multimodal signal processing. The following functional units are integrated via an Arduino UNO R3 main control board: a full-range acoustic stimulation module (1-40kHz, THD <0.1%), a touch-sensitive sensor (contact force detection threshold 0.1g), and a closed-loop reinforcement system (including a liquid reinforcement module: 4μL ± 0.5μL, and a broadband acoustic warning module: 2-10kHz white noise output). During operation, the device produces discrete-frequency acoustic stimuli (covering the octave C4 to C5, C4: 261.63Hz, C#4: 277.18Hz; D4: 293.66Hz; D#4: 311.13Hz; E4: 329.63Hz; F4: 349.23Hz; F#4: 369.99Hz; G4: 392Hz; G#4: 415.30Hz; A4: 440Hz; A#4: 466.16Hz; B4: 493.88Hz; C5: 523.25Hz) by a programmable acoustic generator. The main control unit simultaneously collects biomechanical signals from the touch-sensitive sensor and triggers conditional reinforcement feedback in real time: positive reinforcement is achieved by quantitatively releasing microliters of liquid (4μL±0.5μL), and negative reinforcement is a broadband warning sound pulse (lasting 2s±50ms).

[0029] (c) Establishment of a quantitative model of the “scale-behavior” association based on operant conditioning: Based on the multimodal behavior control device in step (b), an experiment was conducted to establish a quantitative model of the “scale-behavior” association: a dynamic frequency difference decreasing strategy was adopted in the training phase, and mice were induced to establish a scale-pedal pressing association behavior through a real-time behavioral feedback mechanism. The specific steps were as follows: when the programmable acoustic generator (bandwidth 1-40kHz, total harmonic distortion <0.1%) outputs an acoustic stimulus with decreasing frequency difference, the animal touches the touch-sensitive sensor within the set response window to trigger the corresponding reinforcement mechanism - if the mouse selects the correct note, the micro-water pump is synchronously triggered to accurately deliver 4μL±0.5μL of pure water; otherwise, the negative control module, i.e., the broadband sound alarm (2-10kHz white noise, 75dB SPL) for 2s±50ms; in the test phase, a random double-blind scale sequence is used, and if the mouse reproduces the correct scale sequence, the micro-water pump is synchronously triggered to accurately deliver 4μL±0.5μL of pure water; otherwise, the negative regulatory module, namely the broadband sound alarm (2-10kHz white noise, 75dB SPL) for 2s±50ms, is activated to achieve a precise association between "scale-behavior".

Claims

1. A device for adaptive behavior of scale discrimination in mice based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation, characterized in that: The invention comprises an Arduino IDE programmable control unit (1), a signal input port (2), a main control unit (3), a programmable acoustic generator (4), and an execution unit; the execution unit comprises a water pump (5), a broadband sound alarm (6), and a touch-sensitive sensor (7); the Arduino IDE programmable control unit (1) is connected to the main control unit (3) via a circuit, and the water pump (5), the broadband sound alarm (6), and the touch-sensitive sensor (7) are respectively connected to the main control unit (3) via a circuit; The programmable acoustic generator (4) is used to generate discrete frequency acoustic stimulation; the Arduino IDE programmable control unit (1) sends corresponding control instructions to the main control unit (3) through the signal input port (2); and the main control unit (3) controls the water pump (5), the broadband sound alarm (6), and monitors the status of the touch-sensitive sensor (7) according to the control instructions.

2. The adaptive behavior device for mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes an adjustable platform, on which the mouse is fixed. A piano keyboard is provided on the adjustable platform, and each piano key is provided with a touch-sensitive sensor (7). The mouse selects different notes by pressing different piano keys.

3. The adaptive behavior device for mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit (3) uses an Arduino uno r3 development board, and controls the following functional units through the Arduino uno r3 development board: a programmable acoustic generator (4), a touch-sensitive sensor (7), a water pump (5), and a broadband sound alarm (6); The program of the Arduino IDE programmable control unit (1) is burned into the Arduino uno r3 development board; the program of the Arduino IDE programmable control unit (1) includes a pin allocation protocol, a timing control function, and a serial port data acquisition module.

4. The adaptive behavior device for mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electrical connection between the execution unit and the main control board is achieved by executing the pin allocation protocol, and the hardware initialization protocol is executed to put each execution unit in an inactive state.

5. The adaptive behavior device for mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The timing control function includes first-class function, second-class function and third-class function: The parameters of the first type of function include the sound stimulation start time and the sound stimulation end time, which are used to define the sound stimulation start time and the sound stimulation trigger interval; The parameters of the second type of function include the pump on time and the pump off time, which are used to define the duration of the liquid reward; The parameters of the third type of function include the training pause time and the training start time, which are used to define the training phase switching threshold.

6. The adaptive behavior device for mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 3, characterized in that: During the operation of the device, the serial port data acquisition module is synchronously started to accurately record the state switching events of each execution unit through time stamp coding.

7. A method for adaptive behavioral scale discrimination in mice based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It includes training phase and testing phase; The training phase adopts a dynamic frequency difference decrement strategy to induce mice to establish a scale-pedal pressing association behavior through a real-time behavioral feedback mechanism; The testing phase tests the trained mice by randomly playing different scale sequences to achieve an accurate association between the scale and the pedal pressing behavior; during the testing phase, the activity signals of the mice's auditory cortex neurons are simultaneously extracted to provide data for subsequent research on the mice's auditory stimulation decision-making behavior.

8. The method for adaptive behavior of mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The specific steps of the training phase are as follows: a programmable acoustic generator outputs acoustic stimuli with decreasing frequency differences, and the mouse triggers the touch-sensitive sensor by touching the piano keys within a set response window, thereby triggering the corresponding reinforcement mechanism; The reinforcement mechanism is specifically as follows: if the mouse chooses the correct note corresponding to the acoustic stimulus, the water pump is synchronously triggered to accurately deliver a set amount of pure water; otherwise, the negative control module, namely the broadband sound alarm, is activated to continuously send a punishment signal for a set duration.

9. The method for adaptive behavior of mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The testing phase is specifically as follows: The programmable acoustic generator randomly plays a minor or major scale. If the mouse reproduces the same scale sequence as the played scale by touching the piano keys, the water pump is synchronously triggered to accurately deliver a set amount of pure water; otherwise, the negative control module, namely the broadband sound alarm, is activated, which continuously emits a punishment signal of 2s±50ms.

10. The method for adaptive behavior of mouse scale discrimination based on discrete frequency acoustic stimulation according to claim 7, characterized in that: A delay compensation mechanism was configured during the training and testing phases. If the cumulative water supply did not reach the preset threshold, the mice were rehydrated 1 hour after the end of the training period. The termination condition for the target training in the training phase is: the correct response rate is ≥ 70% in three consecutive training cycles.

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