A new barrier video behavior capturer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel barrier video behavior capturer, and the utility model relates to animal experiment observation equipment technical field, including cage frame, and the cage frame outside is equipped with video capture mechanism, and the video capture mechanism includes movable frame, and movable frame both sides and top side all are equipped with adjusting assembly, the utility model's advantage lies in: through installing the capture probe in movable frame's both sides and top direction, overcome the defect that top -mounted camera can only provide single vertical visual angle, can provide multidimensional visual angle for experimental animal cage frame observation, clearly capture animal facial expression and body movement, and the spatial position and angle of capture probe can be independently regulated, can according to experimental animal in the cage different height and can avoid the data interruption caused by the animal entering the shielding area, and the video capture mechanism setting is installed in the cage frame outside, need not open the cage door, guarantees the natural behavior of animal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of animal experimental observation equipment, specifically a novel video behavior capture device for barriers. Background Technology

[0002] As life science research deepens, the demand for refined and non-intrusive behavioral analysis of laboratory animals is increasing, and video recording and analysis have become the standard method in this field.

[0003] The applicant discovered through a search that a Chinese patent, "A Breeding Cage for Convenient Observation of Animal Characteristics," with publication number "CN210987596U," mainly uses a fixed top-mounted camera inside the cage to capture images. The viewing angle is fixed, and from above, only the animal's back can be seen, making it impossible to observe key behaviors such as facial expressions and fine motor movements of the forelimbs. There are blind spots in the observation. Due to obstruction and the fixed viewing angle, the recording of behavioral data is easily interrupted or missing. Therefore, we propose a novel barrier-based video behavior capture device. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel video behavior capture device for barriers.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a novel video behavior capture device for barriers, comprising a cage frame, wherein a video capture mechanism is fitted outside the cage frame.

[0006] The video capture mechanism includes a movable frame. Adjustment components are installed on both sides and the top of the movable frame. Each adjustment component includes a screw, and a movable part is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the screw. A capture probe assembly is bolted to the side of the adjustment component facing the cage. The capture probe assembly includes a mounting base, which is bolted to the side of the movable part facing the cage. An upper housing is fixedly connected to the upper end of the other side of the mounting base. A lower housing is detachably provided at the bottom of the upper housing by bolts. Elastic metal sheets are provided on the inner surfaces of the upper and lower housings. A ball joint connector is movably connected between the upper and lower housings, and the elastic metal sheets abut against the ball joint connector. Limiting components are installed on the upper sides of the movable frame.

[0007] As a further embodiment of this utility model: a cage door is provided in front of the cage frame, and transparent glass is provided around the cage frame.

[0008] As a further embodiment of this utility model: T-shaped sliding grooves are provided at the upper and lower ends of both sides of the cage frame, and limit grooves are arranged in the upper T-shaped sliding grooves.

[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model: T-shaped sliders are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the movable frame facing the cage, and cylindrical grooves are opened above both ends of the movable frame.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model: a micro motor is installed at one end of each adjustment component, the micro motor is connected to an external control system, and the inner wall of the other end of the movable component is slidably connected to the outer wall of the movable frame.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the other end of the ball joint is provided with a protective cover by screws, and a capture probe is installed inside the protective cover. The capture probe is connected to an external control system.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the limiting component includes a limiting rod, which extends through the T-shaped slider and the cylindrical groove into the limiting groove. A pressure plate is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the middle part of the limiting rod. A spring is provided between the pressure plate and the inner wall of one side of the cylindrical groove. A pull plate is fixedly connected to one end of the limiting rod that extends to the outside.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model by adopting the above technical solution are as follows:

[0014] 1. This utility model overcomes the limitation of top-mounted cameras only providing a single vertical perspective by installing capture probes on both sides and the top of a movable frame. It can provide multi-dimensional perspectives for observing experimental animal cages, clearly capture animal facial expressions and limb movements, and the spatial position and angle of the capture probes can be adjusted independently. It can take pictures according to the different heights of the experimental animals in the cage, and can avoid data interruption caused by animals entering the obstructed area.

[0015] 2. The video capture mechanism of this utility model is installed outside the cage frame. All adjustments can be made remotely or manually from outside the cage without opening the cage door, thus ensuring the animal's natural behavior.

[0016] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination or study, or may be taught from the practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the cage frame in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the video capture mechanism in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of Figure A in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of Figure B in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembly of the capture probe assembly in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Cage frame; 11. Transparent glass; 12. Cage door; 13. T-shaped slide; 14. Limiting groove; 2. Video capture mechanism; 21. Movable frame; 211. T-shaped slider; 212. Cylindrical groove; 22. Adjustment component; 221. Screw; 222. Micro motor; 223. Moving part; 23. Capture probe assembly; 231. Mounting base; 232. Upper housing; 233. Lower housing; 234. Ball joint connector; 235. Protective cover; 236. Capture probe; 24. Limiting component; 241. Limiting rod; 242. Pressure plate; 243. Spring; 244. Pull plate. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is for the purpose of helping to understand this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation on this utility model.

[0025] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0026] Please see the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 6 The present invention provides a novel video behavior capture device for a barrier, comprising a cage frame 1, and a video capture mechanism 2 sleeved on the outside of the cage frame 1.

[0027] The cage frame 1 has a cage door 12 at the front, and transparent glass 11 is provided around the cage frame 1. T-shaped grooves 13 are provided at the upper and lower ends of both sides of the cage frame 1, and limit grooves 14 are arranged in the upper T-shaped grooves 13.

[0028] The transparent glass 11 around the cage frame 1 allows the probe 236 to easily capture images of the animal, reducing obstructions;

[0029] In embodiment 1, the video capture mechanism 2 includes a movable frame 21, and adjustment components 22 are installed on both sides and the top side of the movable frame 21. The adjustment components 22 include screws 221, and movable parts 223 are threadedly connected to the outer wall of the screws 221.

[0030] Specifically, each of the adjustment components 22 is equipped with a micro motor 222 at one end, which is connected to an external control system. The inner wall of the other end of the movable part 223 is slidably connected to the outer wall of the movable frame 21.

[0031] In this embodiment, the external control system can drive the corresponding micro motor 222 to rotate the corresponding screw 221, causing the movable part 223 to rise and fall on the screw 221, thereby adjusting the height of the capture probe 236. The height of the capture probe 236 can be adjusted according to the animal's activity posture or the height of different experimental animals, which is convenient for shooting.

[0032] In embodiment 2, limit components 24 are installed on both sides of the movable frame 21. The limit components 24 include limit rods 241, which extend through the T-shaped slider 211 and the cylindrical groove 212 into the limit groove 14. A pressure plate 242 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the middle part of the limit rod 241. A spring 243 is provided between the pressure plate 242 and the inner wall of one side of the cylindrical groove 212. A pull plate 244 is fixedly connected to one end of the limit rod 241 that extends to the outside. T-shaped sliders 211 are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the movable frame 21 facing the cage 1. Cylindrical grooves 212 are opened on the upper part of both ends of the movable frame 21.

[0033] In this embodiment, the limiting component 24 can adjust the position of the movable frame 21 according to the animal's movement trajectory. Two people can pull the pull plate 244 outward to separate the limiting rod 241 from the limiting groove 14. At the same time, the pressure plate 242 squeezes the spring 243, so that the movable frame 21 can slide in the T-shaped slide groove 13 until the movable frame 21 is adjusted to a suitable position. Then, they can release their hands, so that the spring 243 returns to its original position, and the limiting rod 241 is reinserted into the nearest limiting groove 14 and locked.

[0034] In embodiment 3, a capture probe assembly 23 is bolted to the side of the adjustment component 22 facing the cage frame 1. The capture probe assembly 23 includes a mounting base 231, which is bolted to the side of the movable component 223 facing the cage frame 1. An upper housing 232 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the other side of the mounting base 231. A lower housing 233 is detachably provided at the bottom of the upper housing 232 by bolts. An elastic metal sheet is provided on the inner surface between the upper housing 232 and the lower housing 233. A ball head connector 234 is movably connected inside the upper housing 232 and the lower housing 233. The elastic metal sheet abuts against the ball head connector 234.

[0035] In this embodiment, the capture probe 236 can adjust its pitch angle according to the animal's movement trajectory. When the upper shell 232 and the lower shell 233 are not fully tightened and there is a gap between them, there is a gap or slight contact between the elastic metal sheet and the ball of the ball head connector 234, allowing the ball head connector 234 to rotate freely inside the shell and achieve angle adjustment. When tightening begins, the distance between the upper shell 232 and the lower shell 233 gradually decreases, the internal space is compressed, and the elastic metal sheet is forced to bend and deform towards the center of the ball, thereby pressing the elastic metal sheet tightly against the surface of the ball. The pressure on the surface of the ball is converted into a huge static friction force, thereby preventing the ball from rotating and the angle is firmly locked.

[0036] Specifically, the other end of the ball head connector 234 is provided with a protective cover 235 by screws, and a capture probe 236 is installed inside the protective cover 235. The capture probe 236 is connected to an external control system.

[0037] In this embodiment, the external control system operates based on the principle of centralized control and decentralized execution. After receiving user instructions, the central control host decomposes them into coordinate control instructions and imaging instructions. The coordinate control instructions are sent to each motor driver to drive the capture probe 236 to complete spatial movement. The imaging instructions are sent to the capture probe 236 through the cable to control its optical zoom, electronic parameters and auxiliary functions. At the same time, the video data of the capture probe 236 is transmitted back through the same cable.

[0038] Working principle:

[0039] Before the experiment begins, the movable frame 21 is horizontally inserted into the cage frame 1 from the front and locked in the limiting groove 14 by the limiting rod 241. The corresponding micro motor 222 is started by the external control system, which drives the screw 221 to rotate, thereby adjusting the position of each capture probe 236. The left capture probe 236 is adjusted to be aligned with the food and water area, and the ball head angle is adjusted to be at eye level. The top capture probe 236 is adjusted to be aligned with the entrance of the nest box in the cage, and the ball head angle is adjusted to be viewed from above. For cage positions that only need to be observed normally, the right capture probe 236 is set to a wide angle. Then, all probes are numbered by software and associated with the cage position number. At the start of the experiment, all capture probes 236 are started with one click, so that the animal activity is recorded from multiple angles. All video files have a unified time, cage position, and probe number for easy analysis later. At this point, the entire workflow is completed.

[0040] The terms "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" all refer to the figures in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 Based on.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0043] For those skilled in the art, various changes, modifications, substitutions, and alterations to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model will still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A novel video behavior capture device for barriers, comprising a cage (1), characterized in that: The cage (1) is fitted with a video capture mechanism (2) on its outside; The video capture mechanism (2) includes a movable frame (21), on which adjustment components (22) are installed on both sides and the top. Each adjustment component (22) includes a screw (221), and a movable part (223) is threaded onto the outer wall of the screw (221). A capture probe assembly (23) is bolted to the side of the adjustment component (22) facing the cage (1). The capture probe assembly (23) includes a mounting base (231), and the mounting base (231) and the movable part (223) face the cage (1). The mounting base (231) is bolted together with an upper housing (232) fixedly connected to the upper end of the other side. The lower housing (233) is detachably provided at the bottom of the upper housing (232) by bolts. The inner surfaces of the upper housing (232) and the lower housing (233) are provided with elastic metal sheets. A ball joint connector (234) is movably connected between the upper housing (232) and the lower housing (233). The elastic metal sheet abuts against the ball joint connector (234). Limiting components (24) are installed on the upper sides of both sides of the movable frame (21).

2. The novel video behavior capture device for barriers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cage frame (1) is provided with a cage door (12) in front, and transparent glass (11) is provided on all four sides of the cage frame (1).

3. The novel video behavior capture device for barriers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cage (1) has T-shaped grooves (13) on both sides at the top and bottom, and limit grooves (14) are arranged in the upper T-shaped grooves (13).

4. A novel video behavior capture device for barriers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable frame (21) has T-shaped sliders (211) fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the side facing the cage (1), and cylindrical grooves (212) are opened above both ends of the movable frame (21).

5. A novel video behavior capture device for barriers according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the adjustment components (22) is equipped with a micro motor (222) at one end, the micro motor (222) is connected to an external control system, and the inner wall of the other end of the movable part (223) is slidably connected to the outer wall of the movable frame (21).

6. A novel video behavior capture device for barriers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other end of the ball head connector (234) is provided with a protective cover (235) by screws. A capture probe (236) is installed inside the protective cover (235) and is connected to an external control system.

7. A novel video behavior capture device for barriers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting component (24) includes a limiting rod (241), which extends through the T-shaped slider (211) and the cylindrical groove (212) into the limiting groove (14). A pressure plate (242) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the middle part of the limiting rod (241). A spring (243) is provided between the pressure plate (242) and the inner wall of one side of the cylindrical groove (212). A pull plate (244) is fixedly connected to one end of the limiting rod (241) that extends to the outside.

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