US20180007862A1 — Systems, methods and apparatus for rodent behavioural monitoring

Assignee: University of Toronto · Inventors: Robert P. Bonin, David Dubins, Jeffrey Mogil, Irene Lecker Filed: 2017-07-05 · Status: Abandoned

Abstract

Non-invasive behavioural monitoring of rodents within a rodent cage via detection of interactions with a cage lid. A cage lid interaction sensor senses interactions with the lid; resulting signals processed to determine health status. Can be attached to existing rodent cage or as replacement sensorized lid.

Key technical features

• Brain recording: NO — lid interaction sensor; 123 “sensor” mentions; 4 “electrode” (passing reference); 15 “video”; no EEG/ERP
• Species: Animal (rodent) — 198 “rodent”; 18 “animal”; 12 “mouse”; 3 “human”; zero primate/monkey
• Classification: A01K1/031 (cages for laboratory animals); A01K29/005 (monitoring/measuring activity); G01N27/00 (electrochemical investigation)
• Sensor modalities: Lid interaction sensor (various configurations: capacitive, inductive, load cell, optical, etc.); multiple rodents can be individually identified via RFID or time-stamped location

Significance

A home-cage rodent behavioural monitoring system from University of Toronto (Bonin/Dubins/Mogil). Not cognitive testing per se — it monitors cage-lid interactions (climbing, hanging) as a health/behaviour proxy. Relevant to the automated cognitive testing landscape because it represents the home-cage monitoring approach (passive, longitudinal, non-invasive) that complements active operant/touchscreen testing. Abandoned (not granted). Jeffrey Mogil is a prominent pain/cognitive researcher; the cage-lid climbing metric is used in pain assessment.