Murine social hierarchy assessment method and apparatus, and experimental apparatus and system

Abstract

A murine social hierarchy assessment method and apparatus, and an experimental apparatus and system. The method comprises: acquiring radio-frequency data of each target animal in a target region and monitoring video data, wherein the radio-frequency data is used for indicating identity information of each target animal and corresponding location information; on the basis of the radio-frequency data of each target animal and the monitoring video data, determining behavior data of the target animal; and on the basis of the behavior data of each target animal, assessing the social hierarchy of the target animal. In the present application, radio-frequency data is used to determine identity information and location information of each target animal in an experiment, and behaviors of the target animal are analyzed taking into account monitoring video data, and finally, the social hierarchy of each target animal is determined on the basis of a behavior analysis result of the target animal, thereby better distinguishing the identities of mice in the experiment involving multiple mice, and accurately identifying actions and behaviors of the mice.

Description

Rodent social rank evaluation method, device, experimental device and system TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of neuroscience research, and particularly relates to a rodent social rank evaluation method, device, experimental device and system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Social rank system is a multi-dimensional feature, which not only has a profound impact on the emotions and cognition of humans but also other social species, and has an important impact on the social organization, survival, reproductive success and health of animals in groups. In the research of neuroscience, there are many methods for measuring the social rank of rodents, such as dominant tube test, competition food reward, direct observation and warm spot test.

[0003] However, in the actual experimental process, we found that these rank tests are not stable when measuring multiple mice in a cage, and the current manual quantification of these behavioral characteristics requires a lot of time in training and analysis, and is still susceptible to errors and subjectivity, and the most meaningful phenotypes can be ignored, resulting in inaccurate experimental results.

[0004] Modern neuroscience is shifting from training animal behavior to observing natural behavior of animals in natural conditions, and these natural behaviors include courtship, competition for food, avoidance of danger and other social interaction behaviors. Successful social behavior analysis requires identifying key social interactions in real environments to capture social and environmental conditions occurring in natural habitats. However, the main difficulties in real natural conditions are: (1) identification of the identity of multiple mice with the same appearance, volume and hair color; (2) how to define and judge the social behavior of the located mouse and the behavior related to social rank.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a rodent social rank evaluation method, device, experimental device and system, which aims to solve the problems of low efficiency and inaccurate evaluation results caused by manual operation in the traditional rodent social rank evaluation method, and the problems of inaccurate animal identity recognition and ineffective social rank evaluation based on animal behavior in the method of estimating social rank under natural conditions.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a rodent social rank evaluation method, which comprises:

[0008] acquiring radio frequency data and monitoring video data of each target animal in a target area; the radio frequency data is used to indicate the identity information and corresponding position information of the target animal;

[0009] determine behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal;

[0010] evaluate the social rank of each target animal based on the behavior data of each target animal.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present application provides a murine behavior experiment device, which comprises:

[0012] a box, which has a space for target animals to move inside;

[0013] a food dispenser, which is installed on the box and used to feed the target animals;

[0014] a radio frequency identification device, which comprises a plurality of radio frequency identifiers installed on the bottom of the box and the food dispenser and used to identify radio frequency chips in the target animals;

[0015] a camera, which is installed on the box and used to monitor the target animals in the box in real time.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present application provides a murine social rank evaluation device, which comprises:

[0017] an acquisition module, which is used to acquire radio frequency data and monitoring video data of each target animal in a target area; the radio frequency data is used to indicate identity information and corresponding position information of the target animal;

[0018] a processing module, which is used to determine behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal;

[0019] an evaluation module, which is used to evaluate the social rank of each target animal based on the behavior data of each target animal.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a murine social rank evaluation system, which comprises the murine behavior experiment device and / or the murine social rank evaluation device as described above.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, which comprises a memory and a processor; the memory stores a computer program; and the processor executes the computer program to implement the murine social rank evaluation method as described above.

[0022] In a sixth aspect, a storage medium stores computer readable instructions, which are executed by one or more processors to implement the murine social rank evaluation method as described above.

[0023] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product includes computer readable instructions stored in a storage medium, which are read by one or more processors of an electronic device, loaded and executed to enable the electronic device to implement the method for evaluating social rank of murine animals as described above.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the method for evaluating social rank of murine animals determines the identity information and position information of each target animal in the experiment by using radio frequency data, analyzes the behavior of each target animal in combination with the monitoring video data, and finally determines the social rank of each target animal according to the analysis result of the behavior of each target animal. In the face of experiments with multiple mice, the identity of each mouse can be better distinguished and the action and behavior of each mouse can be accurately identified. In addition, the method can be used in semi-open or open environment experiments to provide an environment closer to the natural behavior of mice, so that the research results have better ecological validity and can better simulate the social behavior of mice in a natural environment. The experiment in a semi-natural environment can be tracked and analyzed for a long time to observe the changes in the social behavior of the mouse group. Such long-term observation can provide more comprehensive data to help researchers better understand the formation and changes of social rank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a main flowchart of a method for evaluating social rank of murine animals according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a sub-flowchart of the method for evaluating social rank of murine animals according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a sub-flowchart of the method for evaluating social rank of murine animals according to the embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an experimental scene of the method for evaluating social rank of murine animals according to the embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a structural block diagram of a device for evaluating social rank of murine animals according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a structural block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in this disclosure means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we say an element is “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein can include wireless connections or wireless coupling. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all or any units and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0034] This embodiment provides a method for assessing the social hierarchy of rodents. This method is applied to assessing the social hierarchy of rodents, including but not limited to white rats, white mice, black rats, black mice, hamsters, and squirrels. The following description uses commonly used experimental mice, namely white or black mice, as an example to specifically illustrate the method for assessing the social hierarchy of rodents in this application.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the main flow of the social ranking assessment method for rodents according to an embodiment of this application. The social ranking assessment method for rodents according to an embodiment of this application includes the following steps S100 to S300:

[0036] S100: Acquire radio frequency data and monitoring video data of each target animal within the target area;

[0037] The radio frequency data is used to indicate the identity information and corresponding location information of the target animal.

[0038] The plurality of target mice are placed in a pre-prepared target area and monitored. It is known that the target area for evaluating the experiment is not limited to a traditional closed space, which can be an open or semi-open space, the purpose is to simulate a natural environment, in which the experiment can provide a more natural behavior of the mouse environment, so that the research results have more ecological validity, and can better simulate the social behavior of the mouse in the natural environment. And in this environment, long-term tracking analysis can be carried out to observe the changes of the social behavior of the mouse population. This long-term observation can provide more comprehensive data to help researchers better understand the formation and change of social hierarchy.

[0039] In the monitoring of mice, the identity of each mouse is identified by using radio frequency identification technology (RFID) to obtain the identity information and location information of the mouse. The specific collection method is to implant a transponder chip under the skin of each target mouse. Among them, the transponder (PIT) tag is a kind of RFID tag that works by using the electromagnetic field energy of the receiver to read and record information.

[0040] For obtaining location information, a plurality of receivers can be arranged in the target area to be distributed at different positions in the target area. When the mouse approaches the corresponding area, the transponder attached to the mouse can be identified and read by the receiver in the corresponding area, and then the identity information and location information of the mouse can be determined according to the data. In an embodiment, a radio frequency receiver array can be arranged at the bottom of the target area to obtain the location information and identity information of each mouse, so as to realize real-time tracking of each mouse. Therefore, the identity information and location information of each mouse can be quickly and accurately identified and read by using the radio frequency identification technology, so as to obtain the radio frequency data.

[0041] The monitoring video data can be obtained by installing a camera in the target area to monitor the target area in real time, so as to obtain the corresponding monitoring video data. Each video frame in the obtained video can correspondingly obtain the RFID data reading, and combined with video analysis, the identity of each mouse can be further verified.

[0042] S200, based on the radio frequency data of each target animal and the monitoring video data, determining the behavior data of each target animal.

[0043] By acquiring these real-time video data and RFID radio frequency data sets, the identity and location of many animals can be continuously tracked simultaneously without visual markers, and these data sets are time-synchronized, can be further fused by machine-based algorithms, and the fused data can be analyzed and useful information such as the X, Y coordinate positions, speeds, directions, etc. of the animals can be extracted, so as to obtain the behavior data of each mouse. Generally, the behavior of a mouse can be divided into independent behavior and social behavior; among them, the independent behavior of a mouse mainly refers to the behavior exhibited by the mouse without the need for direct interaction with other mice, which is often the behavior of the mouse to meet its own survival, exploration and adaptation to the environment, etc. For example, it can include feeding, hiding, etc. The social behavior of a mouse refers to various behavior patterns exhibited by the mouse in the process of interacting with the same species or other organisms; it can include chasing, lateral threat, genital sniffing, following, fighting, conquest, etc.

[0044] S300, evaluating the social rank of each target animal based on the behavior data of each target animal.

[0045] Tracking the behavior of each mouse is a useful tool for defining the complex social interaction between multiple animals, and can further analyze the formation and stability of the dominant-subordinate hierarchy within the group. By analyzing the behavior data of the mice, for example, ranking the mice within the group according to the behaviors of chasing and being chased, fighting conditions, and conquering behaviors, the social rank between each mouse can be further evaluated, and by analyzing the timing behavior we can also understand how the social rank of the mouse is formed.

[0046] The present embodiment determines the identity information and location information of each target animal in the experiment by using radio frequency data, analyzes the behavior of each target animal in combination with the monitoring video data, and finally determines the social rank of each target animal according to the results of the behavior analysis of each target animal; in the face of a multi-mouse experiment, the identity of each mouse can be better distinguished and its action and behavior can be accurately recognized.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, step S200 includes steps S210 to S230:

[0048] S210, determining independent behavior data of each target animal based on radio frequency data of each target animal;

[0049] Tracking and analyzing the identity information and location information of each mouse can obtain the independent behavior data of each mouse.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present embodiment, an eating area is provided in the target area; the eating behavior data of each target animal is determined based on first radio frequency data; the first radio frequency data is used to indicate the identity of the target animal close to the eating area.

[0051] By setting the feeding device in the target area and setting the radio frequency receiver on the feeding device, the feeding data of the mice can be obtained according to the corresponding radio frequency data; for example, after the mice in the experimental cage are deprived of water or food for a period of time, the order of the mice to eat and drink can be known through the radio frequency receiver on the food and water delivery device, so as to understand the competition ability of the mice.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present embodiment, an escape area is arranged in the target area; the escape behavior data of each target animal is determined based on second radio frequency data; the second radio frequency data is used to indicate the identity of the target animal entering the escape area.

[0053] By setting a semi-closed escape area in the target area and setting a radio frequency receiver in the escape area, the data of the mice entering the escape area can be obtained according to the corresponding radio frequency data; the competition ability of the mice can be understood by the number of times of escape of the mice.

[0054] S220, social behavior data of each target animal is determined based on radio frequency data and monitoring video data of each target animal.

[0055] The radio frequency data is used to indicate the identity information and position information of the mice, and the monitoring video data is used to track the specific interaction behavior between the mice. The interaction behavior between the mice and the identity information can determine how the mice interact socially.

[0056] In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, step S220 includes steps S221 to S222:

[0057] S221, the feature parts of each target animal are identified and tracked through the monitoring video data, and the tracking data of the feature parts of each target animal is obtained according to the identity information and the corresponding position information determined by the radio frequency data;

[0058] The feature parts of each mouse can be captured, identified and tracked by using machine learning; for example: open source deep learning tool (DeepLabCut, DLC), DeepLabCut is a deep learning framework for pixel-level labeling using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which aims to reduce manual workload through an automated labeling process to achieve high-precision motion capture and behavior analysis. DeepLabCut can achieve excellent results with minimal training data (usually 50-200 frames). The versatility of this framework is demonstrated by tracking a variety of body parts in a wide range of behaviors across multiple species. This software package is open source, fast and powerful, and can be used to calculate 3D pose estimation or multi-animal.

[0059] DeepLabcut first extracts frames from the acquired surveillance video, meaning it selects a subset of frames for processing to reduce computation and time. Manual annotation involves manually labeling key feature points on the mouse's body, such as the head, neck, and legs, on the extracted video frames. This process provides initial training data for the deep learning model. Through neural network transfer learning (i.e., using a pre-trained model or knowledge to accelerate training for a new task), DeepLabcut learns to identify and track the locations of these feature points throughout the video. This allows the model to automatically analyze mouse behavior in the video without manual intervention for each frame.

[0060] DeepLabcut can track and identify multiple mice in the same cage over long periods, marking the head, neck, legs, paws, tail, and other characteristic parts of each mouse as feature points. Finally, it can export the location information of these feature points into a cSV file for further processing. In other words, DeepLabcut outputs the tracked feature point data to a single cSV file. This file contains the location information of each feature point in each video frame.

[0061] By combining radio frequency data, surveillance video data, and machine learning, it achieves better tracking results and higher accuracy when dealing with multiple mice exhibiting social behavior.

[0062] S222. Analyze the tracking data to determine the social behavior data of each target animal.

[0063] In the data analysis phase, machine learning methods can also be employed, such as using tools like SimBA. SimBA (Simple Behavioral Analysis) is a powerful open-source toolkit designed specifically for the computer classification of complex social behaviors in laboratory animals. It integrates a graphical interface and workflow; it uses pose estimation to create supervised machine learning predictive classifiers for rodent social behavior, enabling high-throughput and consistent tracking of freely moving, unlabeled animals; it can combine pose estimation methods, behavioral annotation, and the generation of supervised machine learning behavior predictive classifiers. With the power of machine learning, SimBA simplifies the video data analysis process and improves the accuracy and efficiency of the analysis.

[0064] Building upon this foundation, the system supports importing data from various popular pose estimation tools, such as DeepLabCut, and can also synchronize RFID tracking data to construct a real-time tracking system. SimBA will be used to manually define and annotate the social behaviors of mice. This tool can learn the limb movement patterns associated with these behaviors, train a portion of the data into the model, and finally automatically analyze and output the social behavior data of the target animal.

[0065] S230, analyzing the independent behavior data and the social behavior data to obtain the behavior data of each target animal.

[0066] In this embodiment, first, the social behavior data of the mice is analyzed by software analysis to preliminarily rank the competition levels of the mice, and then the social levels of the mice are evaluated by comprehensively analyzing the independent behavior data of the mice; for example, the competition ability and the social level of the mice are understood according to the feeding and water feeding sequence of the mice, and the social behavior data analyzed by the software analysis is compared to determine the final evaluation result. The accuracy of the experimental result can be improved by analyzing the data of multiple behavior dimensions of the mice.

[0067] In an experimental scenario, as shown in FIG. 4, four mice are placed in a pre-prepared experimental device, which includes an experimental box, a switch device of a food and water delivery device, a backup experimental area, a mouse escape area made of acrylic plate, a radio frequency identification receiver array, a signal input and output control module arranged at the top of the experimental box, and a central control unit of a computer used to control the experimental device and a software system used to automatically track the mice and analyze the behavior. The signal input and output control module includes a controller, a memory, a lighting system, and an infrared camera system.

[0068] The experimental box (length * width * height, 65cm * 65cm * 30cm) is made of frosted opaque white acrylic material; the mouse escape area made of acrylic plate is arranged in the experimental box close to one side wall, one end of which is open towards the inside of the experimental box (length * width * height, 20cm * 10cm * 20cm). The food and water delivery device includes: the switch control signal input end connected to the output end of the controller, the radio frequency identification receiver and the small food outlet; the signal input and output control module includes the controller, the memory, the light illumination system, the infrared camera system; the fine behavior, the moving track, the speed and the time proportion of the mouse in the experimental device can be automatically recorded through the video recording system, which provides data for evaluating the normal state of the mouse. The radio frequency identification receiver array is arranged at the bottom of the experimental box: the radio frequency identification receiver plate placed under the experimental box is composed of 16 uniformly distributed circular radio frequency antennas, which are arranged in an array of the floor of the experimental box. A radio frequency transponder chip (1.41mm * 9mm) is implanted subcutaneously in each mouse. The chip is uniquely identified by the radio frequency identification receiver array. The video frames are synchronized with the radio frequency signals through the central control unit of the computer, and the video is recorded from the top using an infrared camera (Basler, acA1300-60gmNIR, 30 frames per second, 720*480 pixels). The diameter of each radio frequency antenna coil is 62mm, and the diameter between adjacent coils is 140mm. Additional radio frequency antennas (diameter 41-43mm) are placed in the mouse escape area, the entrance of the standby experimental area and the food and water delivery device, and are connected to the customized entrance reader. All these card readers, including the array card reader and the entrance card reader, are connected to a central control unit in communication with the computer. Each video frame corresponds to the acquisition of RFID readings, and is combined with video analysis to verify the identity of each animal. The RFID system operates at 134.2kHz. The radio frequency identification receiver board is equipped with a 5V DC distributed power system with a maximum of 10A.

[0069] When the experimental mouse is placed in the experimental box, the radio frequency chip installed on the body exchanges information with the radio frequency array antenna at the bottom of the experimental box, which can report the position of each mouse. Combined with the video frame, the identity of the mouse can be identified and the position of each mouse can be tracked. The RFID antenna is also placed in the mouse escape area, the entrance of the standby experimental area, and the food and water delivery device. When the mouse enters the escape area and the standby experimental area, the mouse can be registered. After we restrict the water or food (24h) in the experimental cage, we can know the order of the mouse's eating and drinking through the radio frequency antenna on the food and water delivery device, so as to understand the competition ability and social rank of the mouse and compare it with the competition result analyzed by the software, to ensure the accuracy of the experimental result.

[0070] Based on the mouse social hierarchy evaluation method and the experimental scene of the above embodiments, the application further provides a mouse behavior experiment device, which comprises a box, a food feeding device, a radio frequency identification device and a camera device; wherein the box has a space for target animal activities inside; the food feeding device is installed on the box and is used for feeding the target animals; the radio frequency identification device comprises a plurality of radio frequency identifiers which are installed on the bottom of the box and the food feeding device and are used for identifying the radio frequency chips in the target animals; and the camera device is installed on the box and is used for monitoring the target animals in the box in real time.

[0071] In the embodiment, the box is a square box made of frosted opaque white acrylic material, or can be a cuboid or other irregular shape box, and a food feeding device for feeding and drinking water is provided for the mice, which aims to provide a semi-open free activity space simulating a natural environment for the experimental target mice, so that the experiment can provide an environment closer to the natural behavior of the mice, and the research results have better ecological validity. Compared with the traditional drill pipe experiment and three-box social experiment, the social behavior of the mice in the natural environment can be better simulated in the free space environment.

[0072] In this environment, the activity behavior of the mice is monitored by the camera device and the radio frequency identification device; specifically, the radio frequency identification device comprises an array of radio frequency identification receivers arranged on the bottom of the box and a radio frequency identification receiver separately placed in the food feeding device, when the experimental mice are placed in the experimental box, the radio frequency chip installed on the body of each mouse will exchange information with the radio frequency array antenna on the bottom of the experimental box, i.e. the position of each mouse can be reported, and the identity of the mouse can be identified and the position of each mouse can be tracked in combination with the video frames. The radio frequency identification receiver plate placed under the experimental box comprises 16 uniformly distributed circular radio frequency antennas, each radio frequency antenna coil has a diameter of 62 mm, and the diameter between adjacent coils is 140 mm. Additional radio frequency antennas (diameter 41-43 mm) are placed in the food feeding device to obtain the feeding data of the mice, and the chip is uniquely identified by the radio frequency identification receiver array. The camera device can be a common camera or an infrared camera for monitoring the box, and the video frames and the radio frequency signals can be synchronized by the central control unit of the computer.

[0073] In an embodiment, a semi-closed first area is arranged in the box, which is used for providing a hiding place for the target animals, and the radio frequency identifier is installed at the entrance of the first area.

[0074] The first area is used to acquire the area where the mouse sets to avoid other mice, and the first radio frequency data is used to acquire the avoidance behavior data of the mouse, which can be used as the basis for determining the social rank of the mouse.

[0075] In an embodiment, a semi-closed second area is arranged in the box, and a task module for testing the target animal is arranged in the second area, and the radio frequency identifier is arranged at the entrance of the second area.

[0076] The task module arranged in the second area can be used as an extended backup experimental area for experiments and observations on other behaviors of the mouse. The SimBA classifier allows users to create an analysis template containing a region of interest (region), and the analysis behavior can be freely selected, defined and modified. For example, if the cognitive ability of the mouse is to be explored, a new object can be placed in the experimental area for a new object recognition test, and the SimBA backup experimental area can be selected to specifically count the time and number of times the target mouse passes through the area, and the cognitive ability of the mouse can be evaluated according to the activity time and the number of times the target mouse enters the area each day. For another example, a balance bar can be placed to automatically detect the time spent to evaluate the motor ability of the mouse. In summary, different experimental modules can be added to automatically analyze all behaviors of the mouse through different experimental tasks.

[0077] The ability to flexibly set behavior definitions provides complete control over the measurement range and allows multiple problems related to social and non-social behaviors to be solved from a single behavior analysis. This not only complies with the 3R principle (replacement, refinement, and reduction), but also saves resources and time for carefully conducting multiple short-term experiments in artificial environmental conditions.

[0078] The application also provides a rodent social rank evaluation device, characterized in that the device comprises an acquisition module, a processing module and an evaluation module; wherein the acquisition module is used to acquire radio frequency data and monitoring video data of each target animal in a target area; the radio frequency data is used to indicate identity information and corresponding position information of the target animal; the processing module is used to determine behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal; and the evaluation module is used to evaluate the social rank of each target animal based on the behavior data of each target animal.

[0079] In an embodiment, the processing module comprises a first processing unit, a second processing unit and a third processing unit; wherein the first processing unit is used to determine independent behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data of each target animal; the second processing unit is used to determine social behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal; and the third processing unit is used to analyze the independent behavior data and the social behavior data to obtain the behavior data of each target animal.

[0080] In an embodiment, the second processing unit comprises a tracking unit and an analysis unit; the tracking unit is configured to identify and track the feature part of each target animal based on the monitoring video data, and obtain tracking data of the feature part of each target animal based on the identity information and the corresponding position information determined based on the radio frequency data; and the analysis unit is configured to analyze the tracking data to determine the social behavior data of each target animal.

[0081] In an embodiment, the first processing unit comprises a first processing subunit, and the first processing subunit is configured to determine the feeding behavior data of each target animal based on the first radio frequency data.

[0082] In an embodiment, the first processing unit comprises a second processing subunit, and the second processing subunit is configured to determine the feeding behavior data of each target animal based on the second radio frequency data.

[0083] In another aspect, the present application also provides a rodent social rank evaluation system, which comprises the rodent behavior experiment device in the above embodiments and / or the rodent social rank evaluation device in the above embodiments.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, an electronic device 4000 is provided in an embodiment of the present application, which comprises at least one processor 4001 and at least one memory 4003.

[0085] The data interaction between the processor 4001 and the memory 4003 can be realized through at least one communication bus 4002. The communication bus 4002 can comprise a channel for transmitting data between the processor 4001 and the memory 4003. The communication bus 4002 can be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. The communication bus 4002 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the convenience of representation, only one thick line is shown in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0086] Optionally, the electronic device 4000 can further comprise a transceiver 4004, which can be used for data interaction, such as data sending and / or data receiving, etc., between the electronic device and other electronic devices. It should be noted that the transceiver 4004 is not limited to one in actual application, and the structure of the electronic device 4000 does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0087] The processor 4001 can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processor 4001 can implement or execute various exemplary logical blocks, modules and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure. The processor 4001 can also be a combination of computing functions, such as one or more microprocessor combinations, combinations of DSP and microprocessor, and the like.

[0088] The memory 4003 can be a ROM (Read Only Memory) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or other optical disk storage, a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program instructions in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the electronic device 4000, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The memory 4003 stores computer-readable instructions, which can be read by the processor 4001 through the communication bus 4002.

[0090] The computer-readable instructions are executed by the one or more processors 4001 to implement the rodent social rank evaluation method in the above-described embodiments.

[0091] In addition, the present application provides a storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, which are executed by one or more processors to implement the rodent social rank evaluation method as described above.

[0092] The embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, the computer program product comprises computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions are stored in a storage medium, one or more processors of an electronic device read the computer readable instructions from the storage medium, load and execute the computer readable instructions, so that the electronic device implements the above-mentioned rodent social rank evaluation method.

[0093] Compared with the related art, the rodent social rank evaluation method of the present application first determines the identity information and position information of each target animal in the experiment by using radio frequency data, analyzes the behavior of each target animal in combination with the monitoring video data, and finally determines the social rank of each target animal according to the analysis result of the behavior of each target animal; further, the behavior of the target animal is divided into independent behavior and social interaction behavior, and the analysis of the data of multiple behavior dimensions of the mouse can improve the accuracy of the experimental result; the method of the present application can be used in a semi-open or open environment to provide an environment closer to the natural behavior of the mouse, so that the research result has better ecological validity and can better simulate the social behavior of the mouse in the natural environment. The experiment in the semi-natural environment can be tracked and analyzed for a long time to observe the changes of the social behavior of the mouse group. This long-term observation can provide more comprehensive data to help researchers better understand the formation and change of the social rank.

[0094] In addition, the method of the present application also combines the method of machine learning to realize the recognition and tracking of the feature parts of each target animal by using a well-trained artificial intelligence model, so as to obtain the social behavior data of the target animal, and analyze the social behavior by software analysis. On the other hand, the rodent behavior experiment device of the present application also provides a semi-natural environment space for the experiment, and a plurality of independent areas are arranged in the experiment device for monitoring various behaviors of the mouse, which has good expansibility.

[0095] It should be understood that although each step in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings is displayed in sequence according to the direction of the arrow, these steps are not necessarily executed in sequence according to the direction of the arrow. Unless otherwise specified herein, the execution of these steps is not strictly limited in sequence, and they can be executed in other sequences. Moreover, at least part of the steps in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages, which are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and the execution sequence is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed alternately or alternately with at least part of other steps or sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0096] The application is described by way of examples, and as such, various changes or equivalents can be suggested by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Additionally, the examples and features can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Therefore, the application is not limited by the specific examples disclosed herein, but rather by the claims that follow, the full scope of which should be accorded to the application.

Claims

1. A method for assessing the social hierarchy of rodents, characterized in that, The method comprises: acquiring radio frequency data and monitoring video data of each target animal in a target area; the radio frequency data is used to indicate identity information and corresponding position information of the target animal; determining behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal; evaluating the social rank of each target animal based on the behavior data of each target animal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining of the behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal comprises: determining independent behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data of each target animal; determining social behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal; analyzing the independent behavior data and the social behavior data to obtain the behavior data of each target animal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The determining of the social behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal comprises: identifying and tracking feature parts of each target animal through the monitoring video data, and obtaining tracking data of the feature parts of each target animal according to the identity information and the corresponding position information determined based on the radio frequency data; analyzing the tracking data to determine the social behavior data of each target animal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The target area is provided with a feeding area; the determining of the independent behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data of each target animal comprises: determining feeding behavior data of each target animal based on first radio frequency data; the first radio frequency data is used to indicate the identity of the target animal close to the feeding area.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein, The target area is provided with an escape area; the determining of the independent behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data of each target animal comprises: determining escape behavior data of each target animal based on second radio frequency data; the second radio frequency data is used to indicate the identity of the target animal entering the escape area.

6. A rodent behavioral testing apparatus, characterized by, The device comprises: a box body, the box body having a space for target animal activities inside; a food delivery device installed on the box body for delivering food to the target animals; a radio frequency identification device comprising a plurality of radio frequency identifiers installed on the bottom of the box body and the food delivery device for identifying radio frequency chips in the target animals; a camera device installed on the box body for real-time monitoring of the target animals in the box body.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The box body is provided with a semi-closed first area for providing an escape place for the target animals, and the radio frequency identifier is installed at the entrance of the first area.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein, The box body is provided with a semi-closed second area, and the second area is provided with a task module for testing the target animals, and the radio frequency identifier is installed at the entrance of the second area.

9. A murine social rank assessment device, characterized by, The device comprises: an acquisition module for acquiring radio frequency data and monitoring video data of each target animal in a target area; the radio frequency data is used to indicate identity information and corresponding position information of the target animal; a processing module for determining behavior data of each target animal based on the radio frequency data and the monitoring video data of each target animal; An evaluation module is configured to evaluate the social rank of each target animal based on the behavior data of each target animal.

10. A murine social rank assessment system, comprising: The rodent social rank evaluation system comprises the rodent behavior experiment device according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and / or the rodent social rank evaluation device according to claim 9.

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