A video interface for behavioural recordings with applications

An interface which can transmit information from a TV camera to a minicomputer is described. The interface delivers addresses significant for the position of an animal in an observation arena. These addresses are then treated by a minicomputer assembler program. In our application, the length of visiting (duration), frequency of visits and latency of first visit to a specified field are recorded, together with an activity variable. The high IR sensitivity of the camera makes it possible to record the position of the animal relative to certain environmental objects under conditions of dimmed light.