Acquisition of a video image processor for motion analysis

这项建议中的研究重点是通过实时视频图像或运动模式的录像记录来分析活的有机体或单个细胞的运动。CellTrakTM运动分析系统及其专有的视频处理器是请求中的主要工具。CellTrakTM基于视频“帧捕获”技术：将视频帧数字化，然后在时间框架内对数字化图像进行计算机化分析。它被设计成从视频记录中跟踪运动路径，然后使用计算速度、方向、转弯频率、路径长度和其他与运动相关的参数的算法来分析路径形状。CellTrakTM将用于三个不同的研究领域：1)分析蚂蚁觅食行为的社会相关性；2)检查扇贝精子的趋化游泳行为与卵源引诱剂和受精的关系；3)调查特定的膜受体和跨膜离子通量在草履虫化学感觉行为中的作用。所要求的设备还包括一个静态图像处理器软件附件(BioscanR OptimasTM)，它将与CellTrakTM一起用于低对比度视频图像的分析，或在获得准确的运动分析之前需要进行对比度增强的预处理时使用。

The studies in this proposal are focused on the analysis of motion by living organisms or individual cells either through live video image or videotaped records of movement patterns. The CellTrakTM motion analysis system, with its proprietary video processor, is the primary instrument in the request. CellTrakTM is based on video "frame-grabber" technology: digitization of the video frames and subsequent computerized analysis of the digitized images in a time framework. It has been designed to trace paths of movement from video records and then analyze the path shapes using algorithms that calculate speed, direction, frequency of turning, path length, and other parameters related to motion. CellTrakTM will be used in three distinct areas of research: 1) to analyze the social correlates of foraging behavior of ants; 2) to examine chemotactic swimming behavior of scallop sperm in relation to egg-derived attractants and fertilization; 3) to investigate the role of specific membrane receptors and trans-membrane ion fluxes in chemosensory behavior of Paramecium. The requested equipment also includes a static image processor software accessory (BioscanR OptimasTM) which will be used in conjunction with CellTrakTM for the analysis of low-contrast video images or whenever contrast enhancement preprocessing is necessary before accurate analysis of movement can be obtained.