动物活动测定仪：Opto-Varimex-3
Opto-Varimex-3是第一款商业化的基于光电池的动物活动测定仪，并且从推出后不断增加新的功能。Opto-Varimex-3 拥有哥伦布仪器的专利技术--分离计数(射线中断)，可从总的活动中分离出行走活动（Ambulatory Activity）。仪器可以记忆最近一次光束中断的位置直到另一光束被中断，而不会把另外的计数信息记录到仪器附加的“行走活动”面板计数器。总的活动则由第二个计数器记录，通过累加所有光束中断信息获得。将行走活动计数从总活动计数中扣除，能提供动物的梳理毛发、搔抓以及其它非行走活动信息。
可额外选择增加一个光电池传感器阵列装在实验对象上方监控动物的垂直方向上活动。第三个面板计数器记录垂直方向上的活动。还可以再增加一个垂直方向的传感器阵列，则可以提供两个层次的垂直活动监测：一个监测小动物的后腿站立或跳跃动作，另一个则监测抬头动作。
利用模拟电压，可以描述动物在各轴上的位置。这些电压可以通过平板笔记录仪记录，也可以连接到计算机来记录。记录模式有短时间间隔记录模式和随时间变化的比较模式，这样可以反映出动物的动作变化，而这些变化是通过计数信息所无法反映的。
Opto-Varimex-3 作为传感器可使用在哥伦布仪器的自动轨迹系统中，并与IBM的兼容电脑相连接。多至8台的Opto-Varimex-3 监控器可集成到一个高度自动化的系统，全方位的监控实验动物的行为。
Opto-Varimex-3还可以监控旋转和戳孔行为。另外，还可以配置特殊定时电路，通过短期实验，可以自动完成对实验动物的快速扫描。
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特征/技术规格
从总活动中分离行走活动
每轴上有15个红外光电池
中央2.54cm的光电池
前面板计数器显示活动量
允许“单机”与“联机”操作
标准实验室笼43cmx 43cm
主垂直传感器，用于监控动物吃食
+/-5VDC模拟输出，包括位置信息
43cm x 43cm观察区域
开放的收集输出‘count’信息
3个面板计数器(总,行走 & 垂直活动)
120/220VAC 60/50Hz


Animal Activity Meter: Opto-Varimex-3
The Opto-Varimex-3 was the first commercially available photocell-based activity monitor and has since been enhanced with new capabilities. The Opto-Varimex-3 incorporates Columbus Instruments'' patented principle of separating counts (beam interruptions) associated with ambulatory activity from total activity. This is accomplished by memorizing the location of the last broken beam and blocking additional count information from being scored on the "Ambulatory" front panel counter until a different beam is broken. A second counter, called "Total" activity, accumulates all beam interruption information. Subtraction of ambulatory counts from total counts provides an indication of grooming, scratching and other non-ambulatory activities.
The addition of an optional photocell sensor array located above the subject provides for the monitoring of vertical activity. A third front panel counter scores vertical activity. A second vertical sensor array may be added to provide two levels of vertical activity monitoring: one for rearing or jumps, the other for raised head motions.
Analog voltages are made available that describe the position of the animal along each axis. These voltages may be monitored with a flat-bed pen recorder or with a computer interface. Recording patterns for short intervals and comparing them over time will often reveal behavioral changes that fail to appear as count information.
The Opto-Varimex-3 is the sensor employed in Columbus Instruments'' Auto-Track system for IBM PC compatible computers. Up to 8 Opto-Varimex-3 monitors can be incorporated into a highly automated system for comprehensive monitoring of animal behavior.
Options to the Opto-Varimex-3 include the ability to monitor rotations and hole-poke behavior. Other options include special timing circuitry that allows for rapid screening of animals by automatically performing experiments of short duration.
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Features / Specifications
Separates Ambulatory Activity from Total Activity
15 Infrared photocells per axis Photocells on 1" (2.54cm) centers Front panel counters display activity scores
Allows ''Stand-Alone'' or ''Computerized'' operation
Uses standard lab cages up to 17" (43cm) x 17" (43cm) Primary Vertical Sensor available for rearing
15 x 15 Infrared Beams on 1" (2.54cm) centers
+/-5VDC analog output containing position information
17" (43cm) x 17" (43cm) observation area
Open collector transistor outputs of ''count'' information
3 Front Panel Counters (Total, Ambulatory & Vertical Activity)
120/220VAC 60/50Hz Operation