OpenControl: a free opensource software for video tracking and automated control of behavioral mazes

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Operant animal behavioral tests rely on subject interaction with environmental sensors and actuators.
• Existing commercial systems often use proprietary hardware, limiting flexibility and user independence.
• Automated control systems are crucial for reliable and versatile behavioral experiment results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present OpenControl, an open-source Visual Basic software for fully automated behavioral experiments.
• To provide a versatile and user-independent control system for operant animal behavioral arenas.
• To enable researchers to easily adapt and expand experimental protocols and hardware configurations.

Main Methods:

• Developed OpenControl, an open-source Visual Basic software for Windows-based automation.
• Integrated real-time video tracking of animal subjects within the experimental arena.
• Utilized parallel-port interface for bidirectional communication with maze hardware, avoiding expensive AD-DA cards.
• Employed an inexpensive Firewire digital camera for video tracking.

Main Results:

• OpenControl successfully integrates video tracking, zone definition, actuator control, and data recording.
• The system allows real-time control of maze actuators based on sensor input or online video tracking.
• Bidirectional communication via the parallel port enables cost-effective hardware interaction.
• The software's general and versatile structure facilitates easy modification and extension.

Conclusions:

• OpenControl offers a flexible, open-source solution for automating animal behavioral experiments.
• The system enhances reliability and versatility in operant conditioning research.
• Its adaptable design empowers researchers to customize experiments for specific protocols and hardware.