Testing device for exploration behaviors of primates

Abstract

The utility model discloses a device for testing the exploration behavior of a primate, which relates to the technical field of animal testing devices and comprises a testing panel and a shading box, a window is arranged on the testing panel, a baffle is hinged to the position corresponding to the window, a photoelectric sensor is arranged at the position of the window, and the primate to be tested is placed in the shading box. Primate animals can actively find a light source in a dark environment, due to the exploration instinct of the animals and the behavior of pushing away the baffle to explore the light source, light source signals at the window are recorded through the photoelectric sensor and are recorded by an external computer, and therefore data such as the number of times and duration of pushing away the baffle by the primate animals are obtained; automatic acquisition of primate exploration behavior data is realized, the acquisition is very convenient, manpower is saved, and the data is objective and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal testing device technology, and in particular to a testing device for primate exploratory behavior. Background Technology

[0002] Exploratory behavior is a high-level cognitive behavior in which animals freely explore their surroundings. Many emotional and mental illnesses can affect exploratory behavior, such as depression and autism. Diurnal animals actively seek out light sources in dark environments. When testing exploratory behavior, a common method is the "window-opening experiment" with primates. For example, macaques are placed in a dark box with a window and a push-out barrier. The macaques open the barrier to obtain external light, and the number of times they open the barrier is recorded to study their exploratory behavior. However, existing testing devices require manual observation and recording of the number of times the macaques open the window and the duration of the window opening, which is inconvenient, wastes manpower, and the collected data is not objective enough. Therefore, automating the collection of primate exploratory behavior data is particularly urgent. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a testing device for primate exploratory behavior, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art and realize the automated collection of primate exploratory behavior data.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following solution:

[0005] This utility model provides a testing device for primate exploratory behavior: including a testing panel and a light-shielding box;

[0006] The light-shielding box is used to contain the primates to be tested;

[0007] The test panel is mounted on the light-shielding box and forms part of the light-shielding box;

[0008] The test panel has a window that communicates with the interior of the light-shielding box. A baffle is hinged to the window, which can be manually pushed open from inside the light-shielding box and closed again after the pushing force is removed. When the baffle is closed, it completely blocks the window, so that the interior of the light-shielding box is completely dark. A photoelectric sensor is installed at the window. The photoelectric sensor is used to collect the light source signal at the window when the baffle is pushed open.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes cameras;

[0010] The camera is located inside the light-shielding box and is used to observe the behavior of the primates inside the light-shielding box.

[0011] Furthermore, a light-shielding cover is provided on at least one side of the light-shielding box;

[0012] The light-shielding cover is detachably connected to the body of the light-shielding box, and the body of the light-shielding box corresponding to the light-shielding cover has a mesh structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the camera is housed inside the light-shielding cover, and a transparent plate is provided on the mesh structure corresponding to the camera. The transparent plate is used to protect the camera from being damaged by the primates.

[0014] Furthermore, the edge of the window is provided with a magnetic attraction device, which is used to attract the baffle to the test panel so that the baffle is completely closed.

[0015] Furthermore, a handle is provided on the side of the baffle located outside the light-shielding box to facilitate the experimenter to open the baffle from the outside of the light-shielding box.

[0016] Furthermore, the test panel is disposed on the side of the light-shielding box; the baffle includes a first plate and a second plate, the top of the first plate is hinged above the window, the bottom of the first plate covers the bottom edge of the window, the bottom edge of the first plate has a U-shaped opening facing downwards, a second plate for preventing hand pressure is slidably disposed in the U-shaped opening, and an elastic element is disposed between the first plate and the second plate to block the U-shaped opening in the natural state.

[0017] Furthermore, the test panel is detachably connected to the light-shielding box via a buckle or positioning pin.

[0018] Furthermore, the light-shielding box also includes a manure collection tray;

[0019] The manure collection tray is detachably connected to the light-shielding box and located at the bottom of the light-shielding box. The light-shielding box is also equipped with a support net for supporting the primates, and the support net is located above the manure collection tray.

[0020] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the light-shielding box is also provided with casters for supporting the light-shielding box and facilitating its movement.

[0021] The present invention achieves the following technical advantages over the prior art:

[0022] This utility model discloses a testing device for primate exploratory behavior. The primate to be tested is placed in a light-proof box. In the dark environment, the primate will actively seek light sources. Due to the animal's exploratory instinct, it will push open the barrier to explore the light source. The light source signal at the window is recorded by a photoelectric sensor, thereby obtaining data such as the number of times and the duration of the primate pushing open the barrier. This realizes the automated collection of primate exploratory behavior data, which is very convenient, saves manpower, and the data is objective and reliable. Attached Figure Description

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

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test device in the baffle closed state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the test device in the baffle-open state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the testing device for removing the light-shielding cover in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light-shielding cover in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Among them, 1. Test panel; 2. Light-shielding box; 3. Baffle; 31. First plate; 32. Second plate; 4. Window; 5. Photoelectric sensor; 6. Magnetic suction device; 7. Handle; 8. U-shaped opening; 9. Light-shielding cover; 10. Transparent plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] The purpose of this invention is to provide a testing device for primate exploratory behavior, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art and realize the automated collection of primate exploratory behavior data.

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model provides a testing device for primate exploratory behavior: it includes a testing panel 1 and a light-shielding box 2; wherein the light-shielding box 2 is used to contain the primate to be tested; the testing panel 1 is set on the light-shielding box 2 and constitutes part of the light-shielding box 2; a window 4 is opened on the testing panel 1, and the window 4 is connected to the interior of the light-shielding box 2; a baffle 3 is hinged at the corresponding window 4, the baffle 3 can be manually pushed open from inside the light-shielding box 2, and can be closed again after the pushing force is removed; when the baffle 3 is closed, the window 4 is completely blocked, so that the interior of the light-shielding box 2 is completely dark; a photoelectric sensor 5 is set at the window 4; the photoelectric sensor 5 is used to collect the light source signal at the window 4 when the baffle 3 is pushed open, wherein the photoelectric sensor 5 can be a photoresistor or a phototransistor sensor.

[0033] In use, the primate to be tested is placed in the light-proof box 2. In the dark environment, the primate will actively seek the light source. Due to the animal's exploratory instinct, it will push open the baffle 3 to explore the light source. The light source signal at the window 4 is recorded by the photoelectric sensor 5. Of course, it can also be recorded by an external computer, so as to obtain data such as the number of times and the duration of the primate pushing open the baffle 3. This realizes the automated collection of primate exploratory behavior data, which is very convenient, saves manpower, and the data is objective and reliable.

[0034] As an example of implementation, a camera is also installed inside the light-shielding box 2 to observe the exploratory behavior of primates inside the light-shielding box 2, thereby improving the reliability of the data and recording the primates' exploration process.

[0035] As an example of an implementable approach, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, a light-shielding cover 9 is provided on at least one side of the light-shielding box 2; the light-shielding cover 9 is detachably connected to the box body of the light-shielding box 2, and the box body of the light-shielding box 2 corresponding to the light-shielding cover 9 has a mesh structure. When not conducting testing, the light-shielding cover 9 can be removed, and the light-transmitting and air-permeable properties of the mesh structure enable the light-shielding box 2 to have a feeding function; Reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, a light-shielding cover 9 and a mesh structure are provided on the top of the light-shielding box 2.

[0036] As an example of an implementable approach, such as Figure 3 As shown, the camera can be placed inside the light-shielding cover 9, increasing the ease of removing the camera. A transparent plate 10 is provided on the mesh structure corresponding to the camera, which is used to protect the camera from damage by primates.

[0037] As an example of an implementable approach, such as Figure 2 As shown, a magnetic suction device 6 is provided at the edge of the window 4. The magnetic suction device 6 is used to attach the baffle 3 to the test panel 1 so that the baffle 3 is completely closed, thereby improving the airtightness of the light-shielding box 2 and preventing light leakage from affecting the test conditions.

[0038] As an example of an implementable approach, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, a handle 7 is also provided on the side of the baffle 3 located outside the light-shielding box 2, so that the experimenter can open the baffle 3 from the outside of the light-shielding box 2 and guide the animal to push the baffle 3 from the outside.

[0039] As an example of an implementable approach, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, Figure 2 The baffle 3 is pushed open and folded upwards, placing the test panel 1 on the side of the light-shielding box 2. The baffle 3 includes a first plate 31 and a second plate 32. The top of the first plate 31 is hinged above the window 4, and the bottom of the first plate 31 covers the bottom edge of the window 4. A U-shaped opening 8 with the opening direction facing downwards is opened on the bottom edge of the first plate 31. A second plate 32 for preventing hand crushing is slidably arranged in the U-shaped opening 8. An elastic element is provided between the first plate 31 and the second plate 32 to block the U-shaped opening 8 in the natural state. The elastic element can be a spring or an elastic sheet. By setting the hand crushing device, the baffle 3 can be effectively prevented from crushing the animal when it is closed, thus avoiding injury and stimulation to the animal.

[0040] As an example of implementation, the test panel 1 is detachably connected to the light-shielding box 2 via a buckle or positioning pin, which facilitates the maintenance, replacement and cleaning of the test panel 1, as well as the cleaning of the light-shielding box 2. At the same time, an entrance and exit can be set on the light-shielding box 2 to facilitate the entry and exit of animals.

[0041] As an example of implementation, the light-shielding box 2 is also equipped with a manure collection tray; the manure collection tray is detachably connected to the light-shielding box 2 and located at the bottom of the light-shielding box 2. The light-shielding box 2 is also equipped with a support net for carrying primates. The support net is located above the manure collection tray, which facilitates the falling of animal feces into the manure collection tray and improves the convenience of cleaning up the feces.

[0042] As an example of an implementable approach, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the bottom surface of the light-shielding box 2 is also provided with casters for supporting the light-shielding box 2 and facilitating its movement, thereby improving the convenience and flexibility of the mobile testing device.

[0043] To prevent light leakage inside the light-shielding box 2, a light-shielding cover made of polyester material can be installed. During testing, the light-shielding cover completely covers the light-shielding box 2. At the same time, an opening is reserved on the light-shielding cover to expose the baffle 3, so that the baffle 3 can be opened and closed easily.

[0044] As an example of implementation, the main bodies of test panel 1 and light shield 2 are made of stainless steel or acrylic material to prevent natural wear and tear and damage from animals during use, making them more durable and easier to clean.

[0045] This utility model uses specific examples to illustrate its principles and implementation methods. The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the core idea of ​​this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for testing exploratory behavior of a primate, characterized by: The test panel and the light shielding box are included; The light shielding box is used for containing the primate to be tested; The test panel is arranged on the light shielding box and constitutes a part of the light shielding box; A window is arranged on the test panel and communicates with the inside of the light shielding box; a shutter is hinged at the position corresponding to the window, the shutter can be manually pushed open from the inside of the light shielding box and re-closed after the pushing force is removed; the shutter completely shields the window when it is closed, so that the inside of the light shielding box is completely dark; a photoelectric sensor is arranged at the window; the photoelectric sensor is used for collecting the light source signal at the window when the shutter is pushed open.

2. The test device of claim 1, wherein: A camera is further included; The camera is located in the light shielding box and is used for observing the behavior of the primate in the light shielding box.

3. The test device of claim 2, wherein: A light shielding cover is arranged on at least one side of the light shielding box; The light shielding cover is detachably connected with the box body of the light shielding box, and the box body of the light shielding box corresponding to the light shielding cover is in a mesh structure.

4. The test device of claim 3, wherein: The camera is arranged in the light shielding cover, and a transparent plate is arranged on the mesh structure corresponding to the camera, and the transparent plate is used for protecting the camera from being damaged by the primate.

5. The test device of claim 1, wherein: A magnetic attraction device is arranged at the edge of the window, and the magnetic attraction device is used for attracting the shutter to the test panel to completely close the shutter.

6. The test device of claim 1, wherein: A handle is further arranged on the side of the shutter outside the light shielding box to facilitate the experimenter to open the shutter from the outside of the light shielding box.

7. The test device of claim 1, wherein: The test panel is arranged on the side of the light shielding box; the shutter includes a first plate and a second plate, the first plate is hingedly arranged above the window, the bottom of the first plate covers the bottom edge of the window, a U-shaped opening is arranged at the bottom edge of the first plate, the second plate is slidably arranged in the U-shaped opening, and an elastic member is arranged between the first plate and the second plate to block the U-shaped opening in a natural state.

8. The test device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein: The test panel is detachably connected with the light shielding box through a buckle or a positioning pin.

9. The test device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein: The light shielding box further includes a feces receiving tray; The feces receiving tray is detachably connected in the light shielding box and located at the bottom of the light shielding box, a bearing net for bearing the primate is further arranged in the light shielding box and located above the feces receiving tray.

10. The test device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein: A pulley for bearing the light shielding box and facilitating the movement of the light shielding box is further arranged on the bottom surface of the light shielding box.

Images