FreezeFrame Software
Model ACT-FF06
Video based software for fear conditioning and learned helplessness experiments such as tail suspension and the Porsolt forced swim test.
FreezeFrame was the first video-based system for fear conditioning. It has become the standard in its field combining the sensitivity of the human observer with the objectivity and high throughput of automation. While infrared beams can detect gross movements of an animal from one part of the cage to another, FreezeFrame can detect the minute movements of grooming, sniffing, turning and rearing. The proprietary motion detection algorithm filters out shadows, light flicker and camera noise, and detects movements as small as 1 mm.
Features
- Superior low-light performance.
- Fully validated with over 90% concordance between FreezeFrame and trained human observers.
- Store and instantly recall multiple stimulus protocols for training and testing phases of experiments.
- Select constant or pulsing stimuli at frequencies of up to 500 pulses per second and pulse durations as short as 1 ms.
- Generate frequency-sweep sound stimuli. Start and stop frequency, and duration are all user selectable.
- Store video images for later review. Export QuickTime and AVI movies for presentation.
- Batch export data and analyses directly to an open Excel spreadsheet. Analyze % freezing, number of bouts, bout duration and intervals for specified periods.
- Up to 8 individually controlled outputs. For each output, a +5V signal is available for controlling TTL-compatible devices and a +24V (400 mA) output can be used for controlling lights and other high-current devices.
- Deliver sounds (white noise or pure tone) through the computer’s sound card. Multiple sounds of different amplitude, frequency and quality (tone/noise or continuous/pulsing) can be delivered at different times during single trial.
- Control the shocker-scrambler directly from the computer, along with additional stimuli such as lights or external sound generators.
