Revolution in animal research: New 3D camera system discovers secret behavior!

Revolution in animal research: New 3D camera system discovers secret behavior!

Researchers of the Constance Cluster of Excellence "Collective Behavior" have developed an innovative mobile camera system called "3D-SoCs" (3D Synchronized Outdoor Camera Systems). This system aims to capture detailed data about the behavior of animals in their natural habitat. The new technology enables precise, markerless 3D tracking of the movements and postures of several birds at the same time. Previous methods of 3D tracking were limited to interiors and captured animals, which severely restricted the possibilities of behavioral research. With the 3D SoCS system, free-range studies can now be carried out that provide valuable knowledge.

The system was tested in a forest near the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Biology in Möggingen. During the open -air attempt, visual stimuli such as mealworms and stuffed birds were used to examine the reactions of the birds. This data led to new findings on the use of the field of vision and the lateralization in birds. In addition, 3D SoCs offers the possibility of ecological monitoring by estimating the body volume of birds, which can serve as an approximation for their weight.

technological innovation and application

The 3D SoCS system was developed using modern sensor technologies such as GPS and passive transponder tags that improve the quality and scope of the behavioral data collected. Advances in the areas of machine learning and computer vision enable detailed measurements to be carried out that can compete with controlled laboratory conditions. The accuracy tests show that the system 3D mailings of birds can estimate with a tolerance of only 3 mm.

To collect the data, several Raspberry Pi-controlled cameras are used that take sub-millisecond-synchronized video recordings. These videos are then analyzed to identify key features of the birds and to pursue their movements. The platform enables non-invasive data collection. The animals do not have to be caught, which minimizes the consequences for the animal populations.

open platform for research

The 3D SoCS system is designed as an open platform. The hardware plans and software pipelines are freely available, which enables broad use by other researchers. It also promotes synergies between laboratory and field research and closes the gap between these two research fields. The development was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI).

In the context of automated behavioral research, a image analysis algorithm was also developed by researchers from the Institute for Neuroinformatics at the University of the University and ETH Zurich. This algorithm uses computer -based vision and machine learning to recognize individual animals and automatically evaluate behaviors such as curiosity and fear. This could significantly accelerate and improve the analysis of behavioral studies by identifying subtle behavioral changes that are difficult to recognize for the human eye.

summarized, the 3D SoCS system represents significant progress in animal behavior research and offers new opportunities for understanding birds in its natural habitat. The availability as an open platform could also inspire other researchers to use the technology in their own studies.

The following links can be called up for further information on 3D SoCs and the technologies used: University of Konstanz , 3D-Socs , uzh.