Fine behavior monitor for gaits of rats and mice

Abstract

The utility model discloses a rat and mouse gait fine behavior monitor which comprises a machine body, a runway for a small animal to pass through is arranged in the middle of the upper end face of a base body of the machine body, the runway is defined by a bottom plate and two transparent partition plates, the width between the partition plates is adjustable, and lead screw assemblies are installed above the two ends of the partition plates respectively. An image acquisition device and a processor connected with the image acquisition device are arranged below the bottom plate, side-view imaging mirrors with adjustable angles are arranged on the two sides of the runway, a turnover cover body provided with a light source assembly is arranged on the seat body, and an inlet and an outlet corresponding to the runway are formed in the two side surfaces of the cover body. By adopting a runway bottom imaging and side-view imaging mirror structure on two sides, the three-dimensional imaging system can synchronously capture right, left and bottom views of a moving object, realizes a three-dimensional imaging effect, can accurately reconstruct a three-dimensional motion track, eliminates a blind area caused by a single view angle, and ensures that the obtained motion track information is complete and accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bioscience and technology, specifically a fine behavior monitoring device for gait of mice and rats. Background Technology

[0002] Gait refers to the coordination of limbs in time and space during walking. It is an important analytical method for kinematic and behavioral analysis and drug efficacy evaluation. It is of great significance for the study of the pathological mechanisms of different neurological diseases and the evaluation of new treatment methods.

[0003] In existing technologies, the collection of animal gait information typically relies on animal gait monitoring devices to acquire dynamic data. For example, patent publication number CN 207575157 U discloses a typical animal gait monitoring device structure: its core components include a support frame, a treadmill device, an image acquisition device, and a processor. The treadmill device serves as the animal's movement carrier, with an induction box at one end to guide the animal's movement along the treadmill direction, and an image acquisition device (such as a camera) at the other end to record the movement trajectory in real time. The processor then processes and analyzes the image data. This approach simulates the animal's autonomous movement state, ensuring the authenticity of the behavioral patterns, thereby improving experimental efficiency and parameter accuracy, and providing a reliable basis for gait analysis.

[0004] However, this technical solution has the following structural flaws:

[0005] Existing technologies employ image acquisition devices with only a single viewpoint, resulting in significant blind spots during monitoring. For example, when an animal is moving on a treadmill, its limb movement trajectory may not be fully captured due to obstructed viewpoints (such as key parameters like lateral swing amplitude and hind limb push-off angle), thus affecting the comprehensive analysis of gait characteristics. Furthermore, a single viewpoint is susceptible to deviations in animal movement direction or interference from the track environment, increasing the randomness of data acquisition and reducing the reproducibility of experimental results.

[0006] The existing treadmill device is a fixed structure, which has poor adaptability to animal body types: the fixed track is difficult to adapt to the requirements of test subjects of different body types, and may induce abnormal gait due to space limitations or friction mismatch.

[0007] In summary, while existing technologies have made progress in the autonomy and efficiency of animal gait monitoring, their single-viewpoint and fixed-track structural limitations significantly affect the integrity of gait data and the generalizability of experimental results. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a multi-view, adjustable gait monitoring system to overcome these technical bottlenecks and provide more accurate gait analysis tools for fields such as biomechanics and medical research. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects and shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a fine behavior monitoring device for gait of mice and rats, which solves the various problems existing in the existing technology.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0010] A fine behavior monitoring device for rat and mouse gait includes an organism. A track for small animals to traverse is located in the center of the upper surface of the organism's base. The track is formed by a base plate and two transparent partitions, the width of which is adjustable. Screw assemblies for connection, fixation, and easy adjustment of the spacing are installed above the two ends of each partition. An image acquisition device and a processor connected to the image acquisition device are located below the base plate. Adjustable-angle side-viewing imaging mirrors are installed on both sides of the track to capture side images of the small animals on the track. A flip-up cover with a light source assembly is installed on the base. Inlets and outlets corresponding to the track are opened on both sides of the cover.

[0011] The upper surfaces of the bases at both ends of the runway are respectively covered with scales, with the 0 mark in the middle and the scales symmetrically distributed on both sides.

[0012] The lead screw assembly includes a lead screw, and the partition plate is provided with fixing holes for fitting the lead screw. The lead screw has symmetrically arranged threaded sections with opposite helical directions. The two partition plates are fixed on the corresponding threaded sections, and the two sides of the partition plate are respectively clamped and fixed by two limit nuts that are screwed into the lead screw.

[0013] The outer sides of the side-viewing imaging mirror are fixed to the base body by hinge-type connectors. Each hinge-type connector includes two hinge plates. One hinge plate is fixed to the bottom of the outer side of the side-viewing imaging mirror and has a connecting sleeve in the middle. The other hinge plate is fixed to the base body and has end connecting sleeves at both ends corresponding to the connecting sleeves, and is connected by a through hinge shaft.

[0014] The position of the other hinge plate on the base is adjustable. A guide rail is fixed on the base. A slider is guided and slidably mounted on the guide rail. The other hinge plate is fixed on the slider. Scale lines are distributed on the side of the guide rail. Tightening pins are installed on both sides of the slider.

[0015] The cover at the location of the outlet has an outwardly extending guide groove. The guide groove guides the small animal after it finishes running, allowing it to enter the small animal holding cage placed below for storage.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] This utility model features a rational structural design. Through a unique structural design, employing bottom-view imaging and side-view imaging mirrors on both sides, it can simultaneously capture the right-side, left-side, and bottom views of a moving object, achieving a stereoscopic imaging effect. This, in turn, constructs a precise three-dimensional spatial coordinate system, providing a solid foundation for subsequent three-dimensional motion trajectory reconstruction. Furthermore, combined with background multi-view geometry integration, it accurately reconstructs the three-dimensional trajectory: utilizing multi-view geometry principles, this application can effectively integrate three-view image data. It can accurately reconstruct the three-dimensional motion trajectory, effectively eliminating the blind spot problem caused by a single viewpoint, ensuring the completeness and accuracy of the acquired motion trajectory information.

[0018] This application uses a mirror array to achieve non-invasive lateral posture capture. This method avoids direct contact or interference with the animal and will not affect the animal's natural gait, thus enabling accurate monitoring of the animal's gait and providing reliable data support for related research.

[0019] The spacing between the partitions is adjustable to meet diverse usage needs: The spacing between the partitions on both sides of the runway is designed to be adjustable. This design allows the application to adapt to different specifications of usage requirements, greatly improving the versatility and practicality of the equipment, and making it widely applicable to a variety of different scenarios and objects. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the local structure at point A;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lead screw assembly;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a movable hinge-type connector.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 1. Base; 2. Base plate; 3. Partition plate; 4. Lead screw assembly; 41. Lead screw; 42. Limiting nut sleeve; 5. Side viewing imaging mirror; 6. Inlet; 7. Outlet; 8. Scale; 9. Hinged connector; 91. Hinge plate; 92. Connecting sleeve; 93. End connecting sleeve; 10. Guide rail; 11. Slider; 12. Top clamping pin; 13. Limiting guide groove; 14. Cover; 15. Plumb line. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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 scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0027] See appendix Figure 1-4 ;

[0028] A fine behavior monitoring device for rat and mouse gait includes an organism. A track for small animals to traverse is located in the middle of the upper surface of the base 1 of the organism. The track is enclosed by a base plate 2 and two transparent partitions 3. The width between the two transparent partitions 3 is adjustable. Screw assemblies 4 for connection, fixation, and easy adjustment of the spacing are respectively installed above the two ends of the partitions 3. An image acquisition device and a processor connected to the image acquisition device are located below the base plate 2. Adjustable side-viewing imaging mirrors 5 are installed on both sides of the track to capture side images of the small animals on the track. A flip-up cover 14 with a light source assembly is installed on the base 1. Inlets 6 and outlets 7 corresponding to the track are opened on both sides of the cover 14. An outwardly extending limiting guide groove 13 is provided on the side of the cover 14 at the location of the outlet 7. The limiting guide groove guides the small animals after they finish running, allowing them to enter the small animal holding cage placed below for storage.

[0029] The aforementioned structure, through its unique design, employs runway bottom imaging and side-view imaging mirrors on both sides to simultaneously capture the right, left, and bottom views of a moving object, achieving a stereoscopic imaging effect. This allows for the construction of a precise three-dimensional spatial coordinate system, providing a solid foundation for subsequent three-dimensional motion trajectory reconstruction. Furthermore, combined with backend multi-view geometry integration, it accurately reconstructs the three-dimensional trajectory: utilizing multi-view geometry principles, this application effectively integrates three-view image data. This enables precise reconstruction of the three-dimensional motion trajectory, effectively eliminating blind spots caused by a single viewpoint and ensuring the completeness and accuracy of the acquired motion trajectory information.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown: A scale 8 is laid on the upper surface of the corresponding base 1 at both ends of the runway. The scale 8 has a 0 mark in the center and symmetrically distributed graduations on both sides. In the design of the runway device, scales are carefully laid on the upper surface of the corresponding base at both ends of the runway; the scale uses the 0 mark in the center as a reference point, and the graduations on both sides are arranged strictly according to the principle of symmetrical distribution. In actual operation, when it is necessary to adjust the spacing between the runways, this ingenious design greatly facilitates the operators, allowing them to quickly and accurately complete the adjustment of the runway spacing simply by visually observing the scale.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the lead screw assembly 4 includes a lead screw 41. Two partitions 3 are respectively provided with fixing holes for fitting the lead screw 41. The lead screw 41 has symmetrically arranged threaded sections with opposite helical directions. Two partitions 3 are fixed to corresponding threaded sections, and both sides of the partitions 3 are secured by two limiting nut sleeves 42 that are screwed onto the lead screw 41. This lead screw assembly achieves bidirectional synchronous adjustment and reliable locking through the symmetrically arranged threaded sections with opposite helical directions on the lead screw, in conjunction with the limiting nut sleeves on both sides of the partitions: when the lead screw rotates, the opposing threaded sections drive the two partitions to move synchronously in opposite directions, achieving precise adjustment of the spacing; by tightening the limiting nut sleeves, the partitions are fixed to specific threaded sections, forming a bidirectional locking force to prevent axial slippage or loosening due to external forces, ensuring the stability and vibration resistance of the system during operation. Its adjustment principle combines high precision and reliability, making it suitable for precision mechanical scenarios requiring symmetrical adjustment, constant spacing, or bidirectional locking. At the same time, its simplified structure improves design compactness and operational efficiency. Furthermore, to facilitate width adjustment and center alignment, a plumb line 15 is fixed in the middle of the lead screw.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer sides of the side-viewing imaging mirror 5 are fixed to the base 1 by hinged connectors 9. Each hinged connector includes two hinge plates 91. One hinge plate 91 is fixed to the bottom of the outer side of the side-viewing imaging mirror 5, and a connecting sleeve 92 is provided in the middle of the hinge plate 91. The other hinge plate 91 is fixed to the base 1, and end connecting sleeves 93 corresponding to the connecting sleeves are provided at both ends of the hinge plate 91, and they are connected by a through hinge shaft. A fixing plate is provided on the outer side of the side-viewing imaging mirror, and a connecting hole for connecting with the hinge plate is provided on the fixing plate. The position of the other hinge plate 91 on the base is adjustable. A guide rail 10 is fixed on the base 1, and a slider 11 is guided and slidable on the guide rail 10. The other hinge plate 91 is fixed on the slider 11. Scale lines are distributed on the side of the guide rail 10, and a clamping pin 12 is installed on both sides of the slider 11. By moving the slider, the position of the hinge plate can be adjusted, thereby allowing for the adjustment of the side-view imaging mirror's position. Combined with its own reversal angle setting, it can meet the requirements of the optimal reflection angle for runways with different spacing, making it highly versatile.

[0033] Although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0034] Therefore, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application; that is, all equivalent modifications made in accordance with the scope of the claims of this application shall be within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A fine behavior monitoring device for gait of rats and mice, characterized in that: The device includes an organism. The upper part of the base (1) of the organism is provided with a track for small animals to pass through. The track is surrounded by a base plate (2) and two transparent partitions (3). The width between the two transparent partitions (3) is adjustable. The upper part of the two ends of the partitions (3) is respectively equipped with screw assemblies (4) for connecting and fixing and for easy adjustment of the spacing. The bottom of the base plate (2) is provided with an image acquisition device and a processor connected to the image acquisition device. The sides of the track are equipped with adjustable side-view imaging mirrors (5) for capturing the side images of small animals on the track. The base (1) is equipped with a flip-up cover (14) with a light source assembly. The two sides of the cover (14) are provided with an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) corresponding to the track.

2. The fine behavior monitoring device for rat and mouse gait according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surfaces of the seats (1) at both ends of the runway are respectively covered with scales (8), with the 0 mark in the middle and the scales on both sides symmetrically distributed.

3. The fine behavior monitoring device for rat and mouse gait according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lead screw assembly (4) includes a lead screw (41). The partition (3) is provided with fixing holes for fitting the lead screw (41). The lead screw (41) has symmetrically arranged threaded sections with opposite spiral directions. The two partitions (3) are fixed on the corresponding threaded sections, and the two sides of the partition (3) are respectively clamped and fixed by two limiting nut sleeves (42) that are screwed into the lead screw (41).

4. The fine behavior monitoring device for rat and mouse gait according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the side-viewing imaging mirror (5) is fixed to the base (1) by hinge-type connectors (9). The hinge-type connectors include two hinge plates (91). One hinge plate (91) is fixed to the bottom of the outer side of the side-viewing imaging mirror (5), and a connecting sleeve (92) is provided in the middle of the hinge plate (91). The other hinge plate (91) is fixed to the base (1), and the two ends of the hinge plate (91) are provided with end connecting sleeves (93) corresponding to the connecting sleeves, and are connected by a through hinge shaft.

5. The fine behavior monitoring device for rat and mouse gait according to claim 4, characterized in that: The position of the other hinge plate (91) on the seat is adjustable. A guide rail (10) is fixed on the seat (1). A slider (11) is guided and slids on the guide rail (10). The other hinge plate (91) is fixed on the slider (11). Scale lines are distributed on the side of the guide rail (10). Top pins (12) are installed on both sides of the slider (11).

6. The fine behavior monitoring device for rat and mouse gait according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover (14) at the location of the outlet (7) is provided with an outwardly extending limiting guide groove (13).

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