Method and system for measuring memory and learning capabilities

Abstract

A system for measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal, according to the present invention, includes: a feed holder storing therein feed to be given to the small animal; an observation field having a plurality of through holes opened into the feed holder, and holding the small animal therein; an openable cover for opening and closing the respective through holes, the cover having breathability; a dark chamber joined to the observation field; an observation unit for measuring a position of the small animal in the observation field successively by using infrared rays; and a computer for controlling timing of opening and closing each openable cover, and calculating the number of accessing times during each unit period, of the small animal to the through holes on the basis of an output from the observation unit.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal, comprising the steps of: 
 measuring successively by an infrared ray detector a position of the small animal in an observation field, while a computer controls opening of a plurality of covers, provided between the observation field holding the small animal therein and a feed holder storing feed therein, in a predetermined order each for a unit period, and    calculating by the computer the number of accessing times, during each unit period, of the small animal to respective through holes formed on the observation field, which is to be opened/closed with the covers, on the basis of an output from the infrared ray detector.    
     
     
         2 . A method of measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal, comprising the steps of: 
 measuring a position of the small animal in an observation field successively by an infrared ray detector, while a computer controls water supply through a plurality of nozzles, inserted into the observation field holding the small animal therein, each in a predetermined order, and    calculating by the computer the number of accessing times, during each unit period, of the small animal to each nozzle on the basis of an output from the infrared ray detector.    
     
     
         3 . A method of measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal, comprising the steps of: 
 measuring a position of the small animal in an observation field successively by an infrared ray detector, while a computer controls opening of a plurality of covers, provided between the observation field holding the small animal therein and a feed holder storing feed therein, in a predetermined order each for a unit period and controls water supply through a plurality of nozzles, inserted into the observation field holding the small animal therein, each in a predetermined order each for a unit period, and    calculating by the computer the number of accessing times, during each unit period, of the small animal to each nozzle and respective through holes formed on the observation field, which is to be opened/closed with the covers, on the basis of an output from the infrared ray detector.    
     
     
         4 . A system for measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal, including: 
 a feed holder storing therein feed to be given to the small animal;    an observation field having a plurality of through holes opened into the interior of the feed holder and holding the small animal therein;    an openable cover for opening and closing the respective through holes, the cover having breathability;    a dark chamber joined to the observation field;    an observation unit for measuring a position of the small animal in the observation field successively by using infrared rays; and    a computer for controlling timing of opening and closing each openable cover and calculating the number of accessing times during each unit period, of the small animal to each through hole.    
     
     
         5 . A system for measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal, including: 
 an observation field holding the small animal therein;    a dark chamber joined to the observation field;    a water supply unit having a plurality of nozzles inserted into the observation field and supplying water to be given to the small animal, to each nozzle;    an observation unit for measuring a position of the small animal in the observation field successively by using infrared rays; and    a computer for controlling timing of water supply to each nozzle, and calculating the number of accessing time during each unit period, of the small animal to each nozzle on the basis of an output from the observation unit.    
     
     
         6 . A system for measuring memory and learning capabilities of a small animal, including: 
 a feed holder storing therein feed to be given to the small animal;    an observation field having a plurality of through holes opened into the feed holder, and holding the small animal therein;    an openable cover for opening and closing the respective through holes, the cover having breathability;    a water supply unit having a plurality of nozzles inserted into the observation field and supplying water to be given to the small animal, to each nozzle;    a dark chamber joined to the observation field;    an observation unit for measuring a position of the small animal in the observation field successively by using infrared rays; and    a computer for controlling timing of opening and closing each openable cover and timing of supplying water to each nozzle, and calculating the number of accessing times during each unit period, of the small animal to each through hole on the basis of an output from the observation unit.