INTRODUCTION
Actimetrics specializes in automated systems for video-based animal behavioral research and analyses. Emphasis is placed on ease of use and the application of modern signal and image processing techniques to achieve a high level of validity and reliability. Dozens of features designed for high throughput data collection and analysis benefit large and small users alike.
ClockLab and ClockLab Analysis are the most sophisticated and easy- to-use system available for data for Circadian Biology studies. As the clear industry standard, ClockLab combines a point-and-click interface with state-of-the art algorithms. Embedded controls transform each graph into a powerful and interactive tool for data analysis. Measure phase shifts in under 30 seconds with our fast and simple to use ClockLab program. Applied to mice, hamsters, rats, drosophila, humans, bees, algae, Eurasian Lynx, squirrels, gopher turtles, horseshoe crabs and soil chemistry signals from the Mars Viking Lander, this system really is the most flexible available on the market.
ClockLab�s data collection program incorporates a large array of features:
- Up to 448 channels on a desktop or laptop machine
- USB interface for instant setup
- Reliability with over 500,000 hours of trouble-free operation logged and thousands of publications
- Independent Start and Stop for each channel with user-selectable file names and files can be in different directories for convenient segregation of multiple, concurrent experiments
- Monitor almost any sensor � including running wheels and infrared motion detectors
- Integrated light control and light recording at 1-minute precision into each data file � no need to guess about blown bulbs, accidental chamber openings or faulty, misprogrammed or inaccurate light timers! Lights are controlled in up to 96 different animal chambers independently using the simple menu and slider control panel.
- High-density switch connections
- Remote data access via internet to download files at any time using an FTP or Windows� network capabilities
- Record switches, motion detectors, Minimitter ER-4000's
- Real-time viewing of actograms, both scaled and percentile, simply by pressing buttons to view them in sequence
- Automatic detection of low activity levels for all channels viewed simply on a single window
- Clock synchronization of ClockLab�s program to the computer�s internal clock to be automatically kept to date
- Multicomputer site license provided for ClockLab Analysis, the most sophisticated and easy-to-use circadian analysis package available!
With ClockLab, simply past actograms and other plots into your presentation graphics programs like PowerPoint, Illustrator or Photoshop � each graph is completely editable.
Automated detection of activity onsets and offsets make it possible to:
- Measure phase shifts
- Measure mean alpha
- Predict future activity onsets
Actograms are zoomable for easy navigation through long files, just drag on an interesting part of the actogram, zoom in, and then click to display the periodogram, FFT or activity profile for the chosen data segment � it is that simple!
Export all data and analyses to spreadsheet files. Data can be accessed in many ways � thought ClockLab, Stanford Software�s Chronobiology Kit, Actiwatch, Dataquest, Minimitter, Trikinetics and others. (Back to top)
FREEZEFRAME
The first video-based system for fear conditioning, FreezeFrame, has become the standard in its field. Combining the sensitivity of the human observer with the objectivity and throughput of automation, FreezeFrame is able to measure minute movements of grooming, sniffing, turning and rearing. The animal is monitored 2-4 times per second for data that is far more objective and reproducible. FreezeFrame can also be utilized for learned helplessness experiments, including tail suspension test and the Porsolt Forced Swim Test.
FreezeFrame is not a tracking system � featuring a proprietary motion detection algorithm, the system filters out shadows, light flicker, and camera noise to detect movements as small as 1 mm. FreezeFrame offers superior performance in low-light and is fully validated, with greater than 90% concordance with trained human observers. 
Easily store and recall multiple stimulus protocols for training and testing phases. Video images can be stored for future review and also exported as QuickTime and AVI movies for presentation.
Batch export of data and analyses to Excel allows for easy analyzing of % freezing, number of bouts, bout duration and intervals for specified periods. 
Either white noise or pure tone can be delivered through the computer�s sound card. The FreezeFrame system accommodates multiple sounds of different amplitude, frequency and quality throughout a single trial. Stimuli � including lights, external sound generators and/or shock generators are also controlled though the computer. (Back to top)
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