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Author Spotlight: Comparative Imaging of Neural Activity in Awake and Freely Moving States
Published on: January 19, 2024
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Computer vision-guided open-source active commutator for neural imaging in freely behaving animals
Ibrahim Oladepo1, Kapil Saxena1, Daniel Surinach1
1University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.
Neurophotonics
|September 27, 2024
Summary
This study introduces an active commutator using computer vision to track animal movement, enabling continuous neural recordings without wire twisting. This innovation enhances long-term neural data acquisition for behavioral neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Bioengineering
- Computer Vision
Background:
- Miniaturized neural recording devices are crucial for studying complex behaviors in freely moving animals.
- Wired neural interfaces require slip ring commutators to manage wire twisting, often necessitating additional sensing modules for active stress alleviation.
- The demand for long-term continuous neural recordings drives the need for advanced active commutator solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an active translating commutator that utilizes computer vision (CV) algorithms for real-time tracking of animal position and heading.
- To control slip ring translation and rotation based on CV-derived animal movement data, thereby mitigating torsional stress on neural recording tethers.
- To provide a novel solution for uninterrupted, high-fidelity neural data acquisition during long-term behavioral studies.
Main Methods:
- An active translating commutator system was designed, integrating computer vision algorithms with behavioral imaging.
- Real-time tracking of mouse position and heading direction was performed using CV on experimental videos.
- The CV output was used to dynamically control the slip ring commutator's translation and rotation to compensate for accumulated orientation and positional changes.
Main Results:
- The CV-guided active commutator was successfully tested in three distinct behavioral contexts.
- Reliable cortex-wide imaging was demonstrated in mice using a miniaturized wide-field cortical imaging device in an open field setup.
- Active commutation did not alter the neurophysiological signals measured during recordings, confirming signal integrity.
Conclusions:
- The developed active commutator effectively manages tether torsion using computer vision, facilitating long-term neural recordings.
- The system is open-source, built with off-the-shelf components, and compatible with various neurophotonic and neurophysiology devices.
- This technology advances the capabilities for studying neural underpinnings of complex behaviors in freely behaving animals.
