Wageningen, The Netherlands – November 1994. Noldus Information Technology has released a new version of EthoVision, its system for automatic recording of activity, movement and behavioral patterns of animals. Version 1.50 incorporates major advances in data acquisition and analysis. The system has been validated for various standard behavioral tests.

EthoVision now supports the use of color CCD cameras and frame grabbers, which permits tracking of up to eight animals in a single enclosure. Alternatively, up to eight arenas can be observed with a single camera. This greatly inreases productivity and allows automation of large batteries of routine tests.

Ethovision 1.50 can detect various behavior patterns, e.g. the onset and offset of movement or rearing in rodents, as well as interactions between pairs of animals (approach, avoidance, contact, parallel movement). Several new parameters are available to describe the shape of spatial tracks. Compass angle and angular deviation express the direction of movement relative to the north or a user-defined reference axis, respectively. Meander and sinuosity quantify the amount of turning relative to the path length. In addition, distances to predefined zones can be calculated.

EthoVision has recently been validated for the following standard behavioral paradigms: Morris water maze learning, open field activity, social interactions, and object recognition. Validation reports are available upon request. Besides these, the system can be used for a wide range of other tests.

EthoVision 1.50 offers different methods for detection and identification of animals, including grey scaling, subtraction and color tracking. This allows automated observation of animals in heterogeneous and enriched environments with backgrounds varying in color, texture or contrast. The system operates under visible as well as infrared light. A complete configuration includes: EthoVision software and documentation, high-resolution video camera and monitor, frame grabber, DOS computer, professional VCR (optional), cables and connectors. The system comes with on-site installation and training.

Noldus Information Technology specializes in the development of computer products and services for behavioral and observational research. Besides EthoVision, the company offers The Observer, a system for observing, manual coding and analysing series of behavioral events from video tape or in real time, as well as consulting and training in behavior research methods and techniques.