A method and system for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals

By combining a transparent cage and a video acquisition module, the rigidity of the experimental paradigm caused by the structural rigidity of existing devices is solved, enabling flexible construction and accurate evaluation of large animal behavior, and adapting to complex decision-making situations at multiple stages.

CN122423486APending Publication Date: 2026-07-21KUNMING INST OF ZOOLOGY CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
KUNMING INST OF ZOOLOGY CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
Filing Date
2026-04-29
Publication Date
2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing large animal approach avoidance behavior detection devices have fixed structures, making it difficult to flexibly adjust the number of compartments and the status of passageways. This leads to rigid experimental paradigms, an inability to simulate complex multi-stage decision-making scenarios, and high subjectivity and inefficiency in manual analysis.

Method used

A modular transparent cage is constructed using five or more standard unit cages, combined with detachable partitions and a video acquisition module. By changing the state of the partitions and introducing external stimuli, the approach or avoidance behavior of large animals is triggered, and the behavioral indicators are evaluated using video analysis.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible construction and precise evaluation of large animal behavior, breaks through the spatial layout limitations of traditional devices, and realizes the simulation of complex decision-making scenarios in multiple stages and the precise capture and quantitative analysis of behavioral indicators.

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of big animal approach avoidance behavior detection method and system, it is related to animal behavior detection technical field, including, 5 or more than 5 standard unit cage is connected in series or parallel to form combined transparent cage, according to the detection paradigm of pre-set, install grid partition, entity partition or entity partition with loose-leaf small door between adjacent unit cage;Using the overhead camera and side video recorder installed in unit cage top synchronously collects the behavior video of big animal in the combined transparent cage;After big animal is introduced into the combined transparent cage and is trained, by changing the state of partition and introducing external stimulant, trigger the approach or avoidance behavior of big animal, and use the behavior video to carry out index analysis.The application solves the problem that the existing detection device is rigid due to structure, which leads to rigid experimental paradigm and difficulty in comprehensive evaluation of complex approach avoidance behavior of animals.In addition, the prior art relies on manual observation and recording, and the analysis efficiency is low and subjective, and high-throughput automatic extraction of animal instantaneous action and fine behavior index cannot be realized.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal behavior detection technology, and in particular to a method and system for detecting approach and avoidance behavior in large animals. Background Technology

[0002] In neuroscience and pharmacology research, approach-avoidance behavior detection is a key tool for assessing cognitive decision-making and emotional states in large animals. Current technologies mostly employ detection devices based on fixed dual-chamber or single-chamber structures, using acoustic, light, or electrical stimuli as aversion signals to record the animal's dwell time and number of movements within a specific area to quantify its avoidance response. With the advancement of behavioral research, existing technologies have gradually incorporated video tracking and large-scale artificial intelligence models, enabling automated recording and behavioral classification of animal movement trajectories. This reflects the trend of detection equipment moving towards data-driven approaches, aiming to meet the need for automated, high-precision, and high-throughput recording and analysis of animal behavior.

[0003] Existing detection devices have significant limitations in terms of the flexibility and complexity of constructing experimental scenarios. Traditional devices mostly use fixed box structures and connection methods, making it difficult to dynamically adjust the number of compartments, their arrangement, and the open / closed status of channels according to experimental design requirements. This structural rigidity leads to a rigid experimental paradigm, making it impossible to simulate complex decision-making situations involving multiple stages and choices. It also makes it difficult to change spatial connectivity in real time during the experiment to trigger dynamic approach or avoidance responses, thus limiting the accurate assessment of animal behavioral adaptability and strategy switching capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the aforementioned existing problems, the present invention is proposed.

[0005] Therefore, this invention provides a method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals, which solves the problems of existing detection devices having rigid experimental paradigms due to their fixed structure, subjective nature of manual video analysis, large workload, low efficiency, and difficulty in flexibly constructing varied scenarios to accurately assess complex approach-avoidance behavior in animals.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method and device for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals, comprising connecting five or more standard unit cages in series or parallel to form a combined transparent cage, wherein the top and sides (observation sides) of each unit cage are made of transparent material, and the back and bottom are composed of a grid, with a movable feces collection tray installed below the bottom. Various detachable partitions are used for installation between adjacent unit cages, including mesh partitions, solid partitions, and solid partitions with hinged doors. Mesh partitions, solid partitions, or solid partitions with hinged doors are installed between adjacent unit cages according to a preset detection paradigm. The video capture module includes a top-view camera mounted at the center of the top of each unit cage, and a side-view video recorder positioned in front of the transparent viewing side of the cage. The top-view camera mounted on the top of the unit cage and the side-view video recorder simultaneously capture video of the behavior of large animals within the modular transparent cage. After introducing large animals into the modular transparent cage for adaptive training, the approach or avoidance behaviors of the large animals are triggered by changing the state of the partitions and introducing external stimuli, and the behavioral videos are used for index analysis.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method of the present invention, the construction of the standardized combined environment specifically includes: Arrange the unit cages numbered 1 to 5 horizontally in sequence; Install the mesh partition between unit cages 1 and 2, and between unit cages 4 and 5; The solid partitions with hinged doors were installed between cages 2 and 3, and between cages 3 and 4, to create a three-box social testing environment for large animals to move around freely.

[0008] Furthermore, the construction of the standardized combined environment specifically includes selecting five standard unit cages of uniform size and transparent material, arranging them horizontally in the order of number 1 to 5, ensuring that each unit cage is tightly joined without gaps, and guaranteeing the continuity and stability of the large animal's activity space; installing mesh partitions between unit cages 1 and 2, and between unit cages 4 and 5, with the aperture of the mesh partitions designed to prevent large animals from passing through while ensuring normal flow of light and odor within the cages, and allowing animals to see through the partitions to the other side, providing direct visual cues. This also facilitates the observation of indirect interaction behaviors of large animals; installing solid partitions with hinged doors between unit cages 2 and 3, and between unit cages 3 and 4, with the hinged doors able to open and close flexibly. When closed, they completely isolate adjacent unit cages; when open, they connect unit cages 2, 3, and 4, thus forming a three-box social testing environment that allows large animals to move freely and flexibly switch between isolated and connected states, providing a standardized environmental foundation for subsequent social behavior detection.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method of the present invention, the behavioral paradigm test specifically includes three social behavior testing steps: Adaptation phase: Open the hinged small door to allow large animals to explore freely in cages 2, 3, and 4; Social recognition stage: Place a simulated animal toy of the same species in the cage next to the natural preference side of the large animal, and introduce the first unfamiliar animal of the same species into the cage next to the non-natural preference side, so that the large animal can perform social recognition and establish spatial association memory. Social memory stage: Keep the first unfamiliar animal, replace the simulated toy with the second unfamiliar animal, and record the difference in exploration time and number of times the large animal moves between the old and new unfamiliar animals.

[0010] Furthermore, the behavioral paradigm test specifically includes a three-box social behavior test procedure, specifically: Adaptation phase: After placing the large animal in a modular transparent cage, open the hinged doors between cages 2 and 3, and between cages 3 and 4, allowing the large animal to freely explore the three-box space composed of cages 2, 3, and 4 for 30-60 minutes. This allows the animal to become familiar with the test environment, eliminate stress reactions caused by unfamiliar environments, and ensure the authenticity of subsequent behavioral tests. Social recognition phase: After the large animal has adapted to the environment, determine its natural preference side in the three-box space through preliminary exploration. Place a grid partition, and place a simulated animal toy of similar size to the experimental large animal in the adjacent cage on the natural preference side. Introduce the first unfamiliar animal of the same species in the adjacent cage on the non-natural preference side, so that the large animal, the simulated toy, and the unfamiliar animal are in separate spaces, interacting visually, auditorily, and olfactorily through the grid partition. Large animals are allowed to engage in social recognition within a certain time period (usually 15-30 minutes) to establish spatial associations with different stimuli (simulated toys, unfamiliar animals). During the social memory phase, the position of the first unfamiliar animal remains unchanged, and the simulated toy on the natural preference side is replaced with the second unfamiliar animal. At the same time, behavioral videos are collected simultaneously by a top-down camera on the top of the cage and a video recorder on the side. The difference in the time of exploration (including approach, head orientation, etc.) of the large animal towards the two unfamiliar animals within a preset time period (usually 15-30 minutes), as well as the number of times the animal moves to the adjacent cage of the unit where the two unfamiliar animals are located, are recorded to assess the large animal's social recognition ability and social memory level.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method of the present invention, the construction of the standardized combined environment specifically includes: The solid partitions are installed between unit cages 2, 3, and 4 to form independent spaces that are not connected to each other, and the volume ratio of each space is configured as 1:1:1 or 1:3:1 to construct a conditional position preference test environment.

[0012] Furthermore, the construction of the standardized combination environment specifically includes modifying unit cages 2, 3, and 4 based on the horizontally arranged unit cages 1 to 5. Solid partitions are installed between these three cages. These partitions are made of opaque material and can completely isolate the three unit cages, forming independent spaces that are not interconnected. According to the testing requirements, the volume ratio of unit cages 2, 3, and 4 is configured as 1:1:1 or 1:3:1. A volume ratio of 1:1:1 is suitable for preference testing under symmetrical conditions, while a volume ratio of 1:3:1 is suitable for preference testing under asymmetrical conditions. By controlling the difference in space volume, the interference of space size on the natural preferences of large animals is eliminated, thereby constructing a standardized and controllable conditional position preference testing environment, providing a stable environmental carrier for subsequent preference / aversion tests related to stimuli such as drugs and food.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method of the present invention, the behavioral paradigm test specifically includes a conditional position preference / aversion test step: Adaptation phase: Open the solid partitions to allow large animals to move freely in each space to determine their natural preference side; Conditioning phase: Close the physical partition, match the drug or food stimulus with the non-natural preference side of the large animal, and match the saline or control stimulus with the natural preference side, and conduct alternating training; Location preference test phase: Drug stimulation was removed and spatial connectivity was restored. The duration of large animals’ stay in each space was recorded to assess their conditioned memory.

[0014] Furthermore, the behavioral paradigm test specifically includes a conditional position preference / aversion test step, specifically: Adaptation phase: the physical partition between cages 2, 3, and 4 is opened, allowing the large animal to move freely in the three independent spaces for 30-60 minutes. The time the large animal spends in each space is recorded by a camera to determine its natural preference side (the space where it spends the longest) and unnatural preference side (the space where it spends the shortest). Conditioning phase: the physical partition is closed, and the required drug or food stimulus is matched with the large animal's unnatural preference side. Simultaneously, saline or a non-stimulating control is matched with the natural preference side. Alternating training is used every other day (e.g., the first...). On the first day, train the non-natural preference side with stimuli; on the second day, train the natural preference side with a control. Train once a day for 6-12 consecutive days to allow the large animal to establish a conditioned association between stimuli and spatial location. During the location preference test, remove all stimuli (drugs, food, controls), reopen the physical partitions, and restore the connectivity of the three spaces. Record the large animal's dwell time, entry frequency, and activity trajectory in each space within a preset time (usually 15-30 minutes). By comparing the changes in dwell time between the natural preference side and the non-natural preference side, assess the large animal's conditioned memory of the stimuli and the degree of preference / aversion. By comparing the changes in activity during the adaptation phase, assess the large animal's anxiety level.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method of the present invention, the behavior paradigm test further includes a novel object recognition test step, specifically including: Units 1 and 5 are used as buffer zones and isolated by solid partitions. Neutral objects A and B were placed in cages 2 and 4 respectively, allowing large animals to explore freely in cages 2, 3, and 4. After moving the large animal to the buffer zone, replace one of the neutral objects with the novel object C; Large animals are allowed to explore again, and the proportion of time spent exploring the novel object C by the large animals is calculated to assess object recognition memory.

[0016] Furthermore, the behavioral paradigm test also includes a novel object recognition test step, specifically: based on cages 1 to 5, cages 1 and 5 are set as buffer zones, and solid partitions are used to completely isolate them from cages 2 and 4 to prevent the environment of the buffer zone from interfering with the test area; at the beginning of the test, two neutral objects A and B of the same shape, size, and color (such as plastic cubes, rubber balls, etc., which are objects that large animals have not encountered before) are placed in cages 2 and 4 respectively; the hinged doors between cages 2 and 3, and between cages 3 and 4 are opened, allowing the large animal to freely explore the test area composed of cages 2, 3, and 4 for 10-15 minutes to familiarize it with neutral objects A and B. The large animal was then moved to buffer zone 1 or 5 and remained there for 5-10 minutes. During this time, one of the neutral objects (e.g., object A) in unit cage 2 or 4 was replaced with a novel object C (whose shape, size, or color differed significantly from A and B, but whose material was identical). After the replacement, the large animal was returned to the test area and allowed to explore freely for 10-15 minutes. The exploration time of the large animal for novel object C and the remaining neutral object (e.g., object B) was recorded using a camera. The percentage of time the large animal spent exploring novel object C was calculated (novel object exploration time ÷ total exploration time × 100%). This percentage was used to assess the large animal's object recognition and memory ability; a higher percentage indicated a stronger recognition and memory ability. Furthermore, to eliminate the influence of the animal's natural positional preferences, the experiment was repeated, and the unit cages containing novel object C were swapped.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method of the present invention, the behavioral paradigm test further includes an avoidance test step for strong sound and light stimuli, specifically including: Sound sources or light sources are installed on the outside of unit cages 1 and 5, respectively; Solid partitions with hinged doors connect the various unit cages, creating a continuous gradient environment of sound or light intensity. In dark environments or under specific sound intensities, the latency period for large animals to escape from the side of strong sound / light and the range of time they spend in each unit were recorded to assess the animals' phonophobia and photophobia responses and risk decision-making levels.

[0018] Furthermore, the behavioral paradigm test also includes a test step for avoiding strong sound and light stimuli, specifically including: based on the constructed 1 to 5 combined transparent cages, a sound source (such as a loudspeaker, with an adjustable sound intensity range of 60-120dB) is placed outside the 1 unit cage, and a light source (such as an LED light, with an adjustable light intensity range of 50-1000lux) is placed outside the 5 unit cage, ensuring that the stimulation range of the sound source and light source only covers the corresponding unit cage and can form a continuous gradient; the 1 to 5 unit cages are connected by a solid partition with hinged doors, and by adjusting the intensity of the sound source and light source, the 1 to 5 unit cages form a continuous gradient environment of sound or light intensity from strong to weak (or from weak to strong); the test... First, the large animal is placed in the cage and allowed to adapt for 5-10 minutes in a dark environment (light intensity ≤50 lux) or under a specific background sound intensity (e.g., 75 dB). Then, the sound source or light source is turned on, so that strong sound (115 dB) / strong light (800-1000 Lux) stimulation is applied to the corresponding unit cage. The latency period (time from the start of the stimulus to the start of escape) of the large animal from the strong sound / strong light side (cage 1 or 5) to the weak stimulation area is recorded in real time by a camera, as well as the range and time of stay in each unit cage. This is used to assess the intensity of the large animal's fear of sound and light and its risk decision-making level. The shorter the latency period, the stronger its avoidance response. The more the range of stay is biased towards the weak stimulation side, the more stable its risk decision-making ability is.

[0019] Secondly, the present invention provides a method system for detecting approach and avoidance behavior in large animals, including a standardized modular transparent cage module: comprising 5 or more standard unit cages, wherein the side walls and top walls of the unit cages are made of transparent material, and the interior is configured with detachable mesh partitions, solid partitions and solid partitions with hinged small doors; Multimodal stimulation module: configured outside the cage, used to provide stimulation signals of social objects, novel objects, specific sound intensities (75dB-115dB) and specific light intensities (50Lux-1000Lux); Video capture module: includes a top-view camera installed at the center of the top of the unit cage and a side recorder located in front of the observation side; Intelligent analysis module: Used to receive data from the video acquisition module, extract behavioral features of large animals based on deep learning algorithms, and construct a macaque behavior intelligent analysis system, including target tracking, behavior labeling, and multi-dimensional index quantification, which can obtain the dwell time, number of times, movement trajectory and head orientation of large animals in a specific area.

[0020] Thirdly, the present invention provides a computer device including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, implements any step of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0021] Fourthly, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein: when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements any step of the large animal approach-avoidance behavior detection method as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By adopting a modular design, multiple standard unit cages are combined with different types of partitions to construct a standardized testing environment that can be flexibly reconfigured, breaking the limitations of traditional fixed devices in terms of spatial layout. This allows for the simulation of complex decision-making scenarios with multiple stages and choices according to experimental needs. Combined with multi-angle video synchronous acquisition technology, it enables the accurate capture and quantitative analysis of behavioral indicators of large animals in dynamic scenes, effectively solving the problem that existing detection devices suffer from rigid experimental paradigms due to structural rigidity and difficulty in comprehensively evaluating complex approach-avoidance behaviors of animals. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A flowchart for a method to detect approach-avoidance behavior in large animals.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a three-box social test for macaques. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0029] Reference Figure 1This invention provides a method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals. The following specific example, using a macaque, further illustrates the technical solution of this invention, including the following steps: Device Examples Size and Material: The preferred dimensions for each standard unit cage are 900 mm long × 900 mm wide × 900 mm high. The top surface and at least one side (as the observation side) of the unit cage are made of high-transmittance transparent acrylic or tempered glass to facilitate all-around visual acquisition; the back and bottom surfaces of the unit cage are welded from stainless steel bars to ensure ventilation and waste disposal.

[0030] Functional components: The back of the unit cage is equipped with an openable safety inspection door and is reserved with a feed trough and water bottle socket; a pull-out manure collection tray is slidably installed under the bottom for easy cleaning and maintenance.

[0031] Image acquisition layout: A top-down camera is vertically installed at the center of the top of each unit cage to capture the planar movement trajectory of the macaques; 3-5 side video cameras are arranged in an array about 1.5 meters in front of the transparent observation side of the combined cage to simultaneously capture stereoscopic behavioral videos of the macaques.

[0032] Example 1 Five standard transparent unit cages were horizontally connected to form a modular monkey cage. Mesh partitions were installed between cages 1 and 2, and between cages 4 and 5. Solid partitions with hinged doors were installed between cages 2 and 3, and between cages 3 and 4, creating a three-box social testing environment. Experimental monkeys were placed in the cages for 45 minutes to acclimatize, with the hinged doors kept open, allowing them to freely explore cages 2, 3, and 4. After acclimatization, the mesh partitions were placed. A simulated toy monkey was placed in the cage on the monkey's natural preference side (cage 1 or 5), and the first unfamiliar monkey was placed in the cage on the natural non-preference side (cage 5 or 1). The experimental monkeys interacted with the stimuli visually, auditorily, and olfactorily through the mesh partitions, allowing for social recognition and the establishment of spatial associative memory for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the first unfamiliar monkey was retained, and the toy monkey was replaced with a second unfamiliar monkey for 30 minutes. Behavioral videos were simultaneously captured by a top-view camera and a side-view video recorder to analyze the monkeys' exploration time, number of times they moved between the two unfamiliar monkeys, and their social approach preferences.

[0033] Example 2 A conditional place preference testing environment was constructed using five standard transparent unit cages connected in series. Unit cages 2, 3, and 4 were completely isolated by solid partitions, with their spatial volumes configured in a 1:3:1 ratio. Cages 1 and 5 served as the conditioning areas. First, all partitions were opened, allowing monkeys to move freely in cages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for 30 minutes to determine their natural preference for / closeness to cage 1 or 5. Then, the conditioning phase began. The partitions were closed, and a high-preference food stimulus was paired with the non-naturally preferred side, while a control food was paired with the naturally preferred side. Training was conducted alternately every other day for 6-12 days. After training, the differential stimuli were removed, and spatial connectivity was restored. The monkeys' dwell time and entry frequency in each area were recorded, and video analysis was used to determine their degree of conditional place preference for the stimulus-matched space.

[0034] Comparative Example 1 Three independent, non-standardized cages were used instead of the modular transparent unit cages. These cages were opaque, had uneven sizes, and lacked standardized partitions between adjacent cages. A three-box social behavior test was conducted following the same procedure as in Example 1, without a synchronized video system; only manual observation and recording were performed. During the test, the opaque cages prevented the complete capture of monkey movement trajectories; the differences in size led to biases in the judgment of natural preferences; and the lack of a uniform grid / leaf partition structure limited the monkeys' movement, resulting in high dispersion in the data on social exploration time and number of movements, failing to consistently reflect social recognition and memory abilities.

[0035] Comparative Example 2 The same modular transparent cage as in Example 2 was used, but the space was not arranged according to volume ratios. Cage units 2, 3, and 4 were randomly placed with no regular volume differences, and buffer cage units 1 and 5 were not provided. During conditional position preference testing and novel object recognition testing, the experimental monkeys lacked a buffer transition area, easily exhibiting stress behaviors. The irregular space led to instability in the baseline of the natural preference side, resulting in poor matching effects in conditional training. After the novel object was replaced, the experimental monkeys' exploration areas became chaotic, and the proportion of time spent exploring the novel object showed no clear pattern. A stable gradient environment could not be formed during the strong sound and light stimulation test, resulting in poor repeatability of escape latency and dwell time data, and unreliable behavioral detection results.

[0036] This embodiment also provides a computer device applicable to the large animal approach and avoidance behavior detection method, including: a memory and a processor; the memory is used to store computer-executable instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer-executable instructions to implement the large animal approach and avoidance behavior detection method proposed in the above embodiment.

[0037] The computer device can be a terminal, comprising a processor, memory, communication interface, display screen, and input devices connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, carrier networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input devices can be a touch layer covering the display screen, buttons, a trackball, or a touchpad on the computer device's casing, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse.

[0038] This embodiment also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method for detecting approach and avoidance behavior in large animals as proposed in the above embodiments. The storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Programmable Red-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0039] In summary, this invention, through its modular design, utilizes multiple standard unit cages combined with different types of partitions to construct a flexibly reconfigurable standardized testing environment. This breaks through the spatial layout limitations of traditional fixed devices, enabling the simulation of complex decision-making scenarios involving multiple stages and choices according to experimental needs. Combined with multi-angle video synchronous acquisition technology, it achieves accurate capture and quantitative analysis of behavioral indicators of large animals in dynamic scenes, effectively solving the problem that existing detection devices suffer from rigid experimental paradigms due to structural rigidity, making it difficult to comprehensively evaluate complex approach-avoidance behaviors of animals.

[0040] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals, characterized in that: This includes connecting five or more standard unit cages in series or in parallel to form a combined transparent cage, and installing mesh partitions, solid partitions or solid partitions with hinged doors between adjacent unit cages according to a preset detection paradigm. It is applicable to a wide range of large experimental animals, including non-human primates (such as macaques), dogs, and pigs, and can be used for behavioral testing. The behavior of large animals inside the modular transparent cage is simultaneously captured using a top-down camera installed on the top of the unit cage and a video recorder on the side. After introducing large animals into the modular transparent cage for adaptive training, the approach or avoidance behaviors of the large animals are triggered by changing the state of the partitions and introducing external stimuli, and the behavioral videos are used for index analysis.

2. The method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The construction of the standardized assembly environment specifically includes: When performing the three-box social behavior test: Arrange the unit cages numbered 1 to 5 horizontally in sequence; Install the mesh partition between unit cages 1 and 2, and between unit cages 4 and 5; The solid partitions with hinged doors were installed between cages 2 and 3, and between cages 3 and 4, to create a three-box social testing environment for large animals to move around freely.

3. The method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The specific steps of the three-box social behavior test include: Adaptation phase: Open the hinged small door and put the large animal in through the safety door of unit 3 cage, allowing the large animal to explore freely in units 2, 3, and 4 cages; Social recognition stage: Place a simulated animal toy of the same species in the cage next to the large animal's natural preference side, and introduce the first unfamiliar large animal of the same species in the cage next to the non-natural preference side, so that the large animal can perform social recognition and establish spatial association memory. Social memory stage: Keep the first unfamiliar animal, replace the simulated toy with a second unfamiliar animal of the same kind, and record the difference in exploration time and number of times the large animal moves between the old and new unfamiliar animals.

4. The method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The construction of a standardized composite environment also specifically includes: When performing a conditional location preference test: The solid partitions are installed between unit cages 2, 3, and 4 to form independent spaces that are not connected to each other, and the volume ratio of each space is configured as 1:1:1 or 1:3:1 to construct a conditional position preference test environment.

5. The method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The behavioral paradigm test specifically includes a conditional location preference / aversion test step: Adaptation phase: Open the solid partitions, or insert solid partitions with hinged doors between unit cages to allow large animals to move freely in each space to determine their natural preferred side; Conditioning phase: Close the physical partition, match the drug or food stimulus with the non-natural preference side of the large animal, and match the saline or control stimulus with the natural preference side, and conduct alternating training; Location preference test phase: Drug stimulation was removed and spatial connectivity was restored. The duration of large animals’ stay in each space was recorded to assess their conditioned memory.

6. The method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The behavioral paradigm test also includes a novel object recognition test step, specifically including: Units 1 and 5 are used as buffer zones and isolated by solid partitions. Neutral objects A and B were placed in cages 2 and 4 respectively, allowing large animals to explore freely in cages 2, 3, and 4. After moving the large animal to the buffer zone, replace one of the neutral objects with the novel object C; Large animals are allowed to explore again, and the proportion of time spent exploring the novel object C by the large animals is calculated to assess object recognition memory.

7. The method for detecting approach-avoidance behavior in large animals as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The behavioral paradigm test also includes a test step for avoiding strong sound and light stimuli, specifically including: Sound sources or light sources are installed on the outside of unit cages 1 and 5 respectively; Solid partitions with hinged doors connect the various unit cages, creating a continuous gradient environment of sound or light intensity. In dark environments or under specific sound intensities, the latency period for large animals to escape from the side of strong sound / light and the range of time they spend in each unit were recorded to assess the animals' phonophobia and photophobia responses and risk decision-making levels.

8. A method and system for detecting approach and avoidance behavior in large animals, based on the method for detecting approach and avoidance behavior in large animals according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Includes a standardized modular transparent cage module: comprising 5 or more standard unit cages, wherein the side walls and top walls of the unit cages are made of transparent material, and the interior is equipped with removable mesh partitions, solid partitions and solid partitions with hinged small doors; Multimodal stimulation module: configured outside the cage, used to provide stimulation signals of social objects, novel objects, specific sound intensities (75dB-115dB) and specific light intensities (50Lux-1000Lux); Video capture module: includes a top-view camera installed at the center of the top of the unit cage and a side recorder located in front of the observation side; Intelligent analysis module: Used to receive data from the video acquisition module, extract behavioral characteristics of large animals based on deep learning algorithms, and obtain information such as dwell time in a specific area, number of times they shuttle between different unit cages, movement trajectory, and head orientation.

9. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that: When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the large animal approach and avoidance behavior detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the large animal approach and avoidance behavior detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.