20
PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
For activity measurements via infrared sensors (InfraMot)
, passive infrared sensors are used.
These sensors register the activity of one or more subjects by sensing the body heat image, i.e.
infrared radiation and its spatial displacement over time. In this way, movement within the cage can
be reliably determined. This even includes brief movement events of a few milliseconds duration only.
The standard sensor assembly includes a stainless steel sensor housing and is designed to be
mounted on top of a home cage. The sensor unit is available as a stand-alone version or can be
mounted to other cage types such as a drinking and feeding cage. In calorimetry systems, the sensor
is mounted air-tight on the cage cover.
The registered area depends on the setting in the factory and on the height, at which the sensor unit
is mounted.
Activity can be measured under any lighting conditions. Measurements can even be made in
complete darkness.
The software registers the counter totals during a measuring interval. This measuring data provides a
relative measure of the duration and intensity of the activity. This allows general statements about the
activity of the animal to be made.
Activity measurements via running wheels
can measure the spontaneous activity of the animal,
e.g., in a home cage. The animal itself sets the running wheel in motion (voluntary running wheel).
3.1. System Description
The system is arranged modularly, i.e. depending on the system configuration, the required devices
are present only.
The devices, their installation and functions are described in the corresponding
sections.
References Hardware Module
Measurements
Reference
Activity behavior via sensor frames
Calorimetry
Hardware Operating Instructions - Calorimetry
Drinking/Feeding/Urine/Feces/Body Weight
Activity behavior via running wheel
Activity behavior via infrared sensors
Hardware Operating Instructions - InfraMot
Fig. 5 Reference Hardware module
In the following sections, information about carrying out a measurement, maintenance, cleaning and
decontamination of the system is given.
Software is described in the Software Operating Instructions.
